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http://www.arcliive.org/details/liistoryofcampaigOOandr 




■Eu;«l '^ty.lHBitt'aie. 



AlAJOR (;ENEf{AL K.R.S.GANBY 



HISTOEY 



OF THE 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE: 



INCLUDING THE COOPEEATIVE OPEEATIONS 



OP 



GEN. WILSOJST'S CAVALRY IN ALABAMA. 



BY -^ / 



BREVET MAJOR-GENERAL C. C: ANDREWS, 

LATE COMMANDING THE SECOND DITISION, THIRTEENTH AKMY CORPS, U. S. VOLS. 



WITH MAPS AND ILLUSTRATIONS. 




NEW YORK: 

D. VAN NOSTRAND, 192 BROADWAY. 
LONDON : TEUBNEE & CO. 



6/ 



18Gt. 



V 



A ^1 



Kutored aocordiug to Act of Cougress, iu tho year 1SC6, 

By p. van NOSTKANP, 

Tn tho Clork's ofRce of tUo District Oourt of tUo I'nUod States, for tho Southern Pisti-iot of 

New York. 



CONTENTS. 



{Fo7- more particular reference to Contents, see Index.) 



CHAPTER I. 



MOBILE. PAGR. 

Military Importanco of Mobile — Its Fortifications — By whom Consti-uctctl — Gou. Jolmstou's Opin- 
ion of tho Fortifications — Harbor Defences — Foris Gaiues and Jlorgan — Confederate Navy. ... 9 

CHAPTER II. 
EARLIER OPERATIONS AGAINST MOBILE. 

Bombardment, Siege, and Capture of Forts Morgan and Gaines — Land Forces engaged — Heroic 
Conduct of Farragut — Brilliant Achievements of tho Navy — Fall of Fort Powell — Limited Qar- 
risonof Mobile 13 

CHAPTER in. 

CONCENTRATION, ORfiANIZ.VTION, AND EQUIPMENT OF THE ARMY. 

Giuby's Movable Forces — Brigade of Reserve Corps sent to Barrancas — Camp at Barrancas — 
Organization of Thirteentli Corps — Sixteenth Corps moves down the Mississippi — Canby's 
Orders to perfect Organization — Forces collected at Fort Gaines 21 

CHAPTER IV. 

PLAN OF OPERATIONS. 

Mobile to bo flanked by Movement from Exstorn Shore — Railroad Communications with Mont- 
gomery to be destroyed — Column to move out from Pensacola 31 

CHAPTER V. 

THIRTEENTH AND SIXTEENTH CORPS MOVE TO DANLET'S ON FISH RIVER. 
DiiBcult March of tho Thirteenth Corps— Demonstration on Western Shore of Mobils B;iy— Attack 
on tho Wagon Train— Movement of the Sisteouth Corps on Transports 33 



4 , CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER VI. 

THREE DAYS AT FISH EIVER. 

FAGB. 

Drill — Skirmish — Scenes in Camp — Forward Movement— Plans and Activity of ttie Confederates — 
Experience of their froops — Order of Battle — Confederates Retire into their WorKs — ^Thirteenth 
Corps on D'Olieve's Creek — Sixteenth Corps at C. Sibley's — Skirmish 38 



CHAPTER Vn. 
SPANISH FOKT — ITS INTESTMENT. 

Description of the Ground — Attack on Federal Pickets— Sixteenth Corps turns Back on Spanish 
*Port — Skirmish at Minette Bridge— Thirteenth and Sixteenth Corps in Line of Battle — Spirited 
Action — Confederates driven Behind their Works — Canhy 's Headquarters at Wilson's 48 



CHAPTER VIII. 
SIEGE OF SPANISH FORT— SECOND DAY, 

Garrison of Spanish Fort — " Shooting to Kill" — Operations in the Sixteenth Corps' Front — In 
Thirteenth Corps' Front — Attack on Capt. Noble's Working Party — Operations of the Navy — 
Sinking of the Milwaukee — Spirited Conduct of her Crew 60 



CHAPTER IX. 
SIEGE OF SPANISH FORT— THIRD DAY. 

Operations of Navy — Sinking of the Osage — Position of the Confederate Artillery — Batteries Huger 
ind Tracy — their Armament — OperaticTns along the Line — Capt. Myers' Adventure on Skirmish- 
Line — Progress of the Trenches — Casualties light 69 



CHAPTER X. 

SIEGE OF SPANISH FORT— FOURTH DAY. 

Progress of the Siege — ^Withdrawal of Veatch's Division — Change of Garrison Troops— Their Casu- 
alties 78 

CHAPTER XI. 
SIEGE OF SPANISH FORT— FIFTH DAY. 

Sunken Battery constructed by Besiegers on Shore of Bay Minette — ^Thirty-Pounders of Fu-st 
• Indiana Heavy Artillery in Position — The New York Light Batteries — Gallant Exploit of Some 
of the Ninety -Fourth Illinois Men — Sortie and Ca^jture of Detachment of the Seventh Vermont 
— What the Prisoners saw in Spanish Fort — Supper with the f ommander of the Garrison 81 



CONTENTS. 6 

CHAPTER Xn. 

SIEGE OF SPANISH FOKT— SIXTH DAY. 

PAGB. 

Feeling in Mobile — The Garrisou's Economy of Ammunition — Holtzclaw's Brigade — It relieves 
the Alabama Reserves — Operation of the Besiegers— Expert Practice of Grayson's 'Battery^ 
Brilliant Shots by Seventh Massachusetts Light Guns — Sinking of the Kodolph ■. 88 

CHAPTER XIII. 

.OPERATIONS OF STEELE'S COLUMN FROM PENSACOLA BAY. 

Composition of his Forces — Second Division marches to Pensacola — Condition of Pensacola— Con- 
federate Scouts around— Repairing Wharves— Difficult March of Steele's Column— Exaggerated 
Idea of his Forces — Arrival at Pine Barren — Construction of Bridge — Crossing of the Pine 
Barren 95 



CHAPTER XIV. 

CONTINUATION 0F_ STEELE'S MARCH. 

Expectations of a Fight — Combat of Pringle's Creek — Gen. Clanton severely wounded — ^Victory of 
Lucas' Cavalry — Pursuit to the Escambia — Entry of Pollard — Spurling's Cavalry Operations— 
Spurling " a Live Yankee" — His Capture of a Stalf Officer — Steele turns toward Blakely — Bad 
Roads — Corduroying — Scarcity of Rations— Capture of an Outpost — Veatch's Movement with 
Supplies 107 



CHAPTER XV. 

INVESTMENT AND SIEGE OF" BLAKELY. 

Description of Blakely — Its Garrison — Investment of Blakely — Bivouac of the Colored Division — ^Its 
Engagement — Good Behavior of — Casualties in — ^The Second Division moves early from Hall's 
— ^Takes Position before Blakely — Engagement of Skirmishers — ^Rifle-Pits commenced 121 

CHAPTER XVI. 

SIEGE OF SPANISH FORT— SEVENTH AND EIGHTH DAYS. 

Eiigagement of Artillery — Sweeping for Torpedoes by the Squadron — Incident showing the Soldiers' 
Magnanimity — Toil of the Besiegers — Their Bomb-Proofs 130 



CHAPTER XVII. 

SIEGE OF SPANISH FORT— NINTH DAY. 

Progress of the Trenches — Notice of the Batteries — General Bombardment — Enthusiasm among 
Besiegers 136 



• , 



6 ■ CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER XVin. 

SIEGE OF SPANISH FORT — TENTH, ELEVEKTH, AND T\VELFTH DATS. 

PAGB. 

Firing a-t Night — Footway to Conway's Bayou — ^News of Fall of Selma— Enterprise of a Lieu- 
tenant — ^Engagement of the Octorara — Strength of the Garrison — ^The Hospital ' 141 

CHAPTER XIX. 

SIEGE OF SPANISH FOKT — THIRTEENTH AND LAST DAT. 

Consultation about Evacuation — State of the Siege — Grand Bombardment — Assault in Carr's 
Front — Gallant Conduct of the Eighth Iowa — ^Lodgment effepted^Secret Withdrawal of the 
Garrison— The Retreat — Occupation of Spanish Fort by Besiegers 148 

CHAPTER XX. 

OBSERVATIONS ON THE SIEGE OF SPANISH FORT. 

Beauregard's Opinion — Object nf Spanish Fort — Importance of its Reduction — ^Propriety of Assault — 
The Garrison Commander — Instance of Neglect by Garrison — Their Activity — Importance of 
Ehfllading Fire and Secure Approaches 163 

CHAPTER XXI. 

SIEGE OF BLAKELT CONTINUED— SECOND, THIRD, AND FOURTH DATS. 

Nature of the Ground between Combatants — Operations in Hawkins' FYont — ^In Second Divisioa — 
Position of Veatch's and Garrard's Divisions — First Gun of Besiegers in Position — Observa- 
tions by Lieut. -Col. Whittlesey — Two more of Second Connecticut Ten -Pounders open — Change 
of Position by Rinaker's Brigade — Condition of the Garrison 168 

CHAPTER X5II. 

SIEGE OF BLAKELT— FIFTH, SIXTH, AND SEVENTH DATS. 

Sortie — ^Advance of Line on the Left— ^Conduct of Maj. Hutchinson — Action before Day — ^Engage- 
ment of the Fifteenth Massachusetts Battery — Operations of the Cavalry — Operations of the 
Garrison — Communications between the Skirmishers — Second Divisicin ordered in Readiness 
to March — Engagement of First Indiana Thirty-Pounders with Gunboats 1T8 

CHAPTER XXin. 

SIEGE OF BLAKELT— EIGHTH AND LAST DAT. 

Reinforcement of Besiegers' Artillery — Stage of the Works — Suspicion that the Garrison was 
evacuating — Feelings of tho Garrison — ^Preliminary Advance by Colored Troops — The Assault 
— Description of the Assault in Each Division — The Works of Blakely triumphantly carried — 
Capture of Three Thousand Prisoners 189 



CONTENTS. 7 

CHAPTER XXIV. 

OBSERVATIONS ON THE SIEGE AND ASSAULT OF BLAKELY. 

PAOB. 

Immediate Effect of the Fall of Blakoly — Conduct of the Garrison — ^Marshes — Favorable Tinie 
for Assault — Work Done by Besiegers 223 

CHAPTER XXV. 

KEDUCTION OF FOKTS HUGER AND TRACT. 

Splendid Firing of the Octorara — Engagement of Foust's Light Battery, and Sixth Michigan Heavy 
Artillery with the Forts — ^The Forts hastily evacuated — Gen. A. J. Smith's Preparations for 
Assault 227 

CHAPTER XXVI. 

ADVENTURES AND INCIDENTS. 

Gen. Bailey's Trip to Spanish Fort — Incidents of the Siege — Humor of Confederate Soldiers 233 

CHAPTER 5XVII. 

FURTHER OPERATIONS OF LUCAS' CAVALRY. 

March to Claiborne — Combat of Mount Pleasant , 239 

CHAPTER XX\ail. 

OPERATIONS OF WILSON'S CAVALRY IN ALABAMA. 

Condition of Confederates in Central Alabama — Organization of Wilson's Cavalry at Gravelly 
Springs — ^Preparations for a Movement — Routes of the Three Divisions — CroKton's Brigade 
Detached at Ely ton — Skirmish near Montevallo — Capture of Despatches at Randolph — Battle 
of Ebenezer Church 242 

CHAPTER XXIX. 

CAVALRY OPERATIONS CONTINUED— BATTLE OF SELMA 

Description of the Defences of Selma — Rattle of Selma — ^Victorious Assault by Dismounted Cavalry 
— Plans of the Confederates — ^Destruction of Property — Gen. Wilson moves to Montgomery. . . 252 

CHAPTER XXX. 

OPERATIONS OF CROXTON'S BRIGADE. 

Skirmish at Trion — Capture of Tuscaloosa — Combat at Pleasant Ridge — Gallant Conduct of Second 
Michigan Cavalry — Hard Marching — Swimming Rivers — Skirmish near Jacksonville — White 
Flag on the Bank of the Chattahoochee — Observations : 260 



ILLUSTRATIONS, 



[The drawings of the battle-fields were made a little upward of a year after the battles took place.] 

PAGE. 

1. General Map op the Campaign 9 

2. Map op the Siege op Spanish Fort 48 

3. BoMB-PEOOFS — ^Inside Besiegers' First Parallel (Sixteenth Corps 

Front 135 

4. Spanish Fort — View prom Works op Thirteenth Corps — Showing 

" McDermett" 148 

5. Sketch Showing the Works of Gen. E. A. Carr's Division 151 

6. Blakely — Yiew from Centre of Second Division — Showing Confed- 

erate Redoubt No. 4 173 

7. Map of the Siege op Blakely 190 

8. Blakely — ^View in Front op Hawkins' Division 193 

9. Blakely — ^View prom the Right of Garrard's Division 213 

10. Map op Selma 252 




Gene lal Map of the Caiupaigii 



MOBILE 



Sn^tyH -ClMuu KysVipX 



HISTOEY 



OF THE 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 



CHAPTER I. 

•MOBILE— ITS FORTIFICATIONS. 

Mobile, at the commencement of the war, contained a 
population of thirty thousand. It is situated on low ground, 
at the mouth of Mobile river — formed by the Alabama and 
Tombigbee — and at the head and western shore of the bay 
bearing the same name. 

Having communication the year round, by rivers as "well as 
by railroads, into the heart of Alabama and Mississippi, it was 
regarded as one of the keys of the Confederacy. 

Socially, pohtically, and commercially, except that its com- 
merce was smaller, it resembled New Orleans ; and between 
the cities there was considerable cordiality. The liberalizing 
influence of commerce had tended to foster a fraternal and 
national spirit, and it was among the last Southern cities to 
renounce the Union. Douglas had been welcomed there with 
enthusiasm in 1860, and received a large vote in the presi- 
dential election. 

After the passage of the ordinance of secession, it was 
deemed essential that the orator Yancey should visit Mobile 



10 CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 

to reconcile the people to tlie new government. He urged, 
among other things, that, under the Confederacy, their com- 
merce would take more ample wings ; and that the only dan- 
ger to be dreaded would be the excess of wealth and luxury 
which would follow. 

But once committed to the confederate cause, the people 
were active and zealous in contributing to its success. They 
cheerfully rendered military service, and gave the labor of their 
slaves in constructing defensive works. These being carried 
on with skill and industry, grew more formidable every year. 
They tended to avert attack, and gave the city the distinction 
of being the last important place in the Confederacy which was 
captured. 

Once, only, did the people murmur. West of the city, on 
rising ground, was a fine forest of oak and evergreen. Drives 
through it afforded pleasant refuge from the tropic heat of the 
town ; and thither excursions were made in the long summer 
for relaxation. The engineer decided that this forest must be 
cut down, and it was done. But the citizens made indignant 
complaints on account of it. 

FortifiGaiions of Mohile.^-Gen. Joseph E. Johnston pronounced 
Mobile to be the best-fortified place in the Confederacy. The 
first continuous line of earthworks around the city was made 
in 1862, under Capt. Lieurner, about three miles out from the 
business streets, and comprised fifteen redoubts. This hne was, 
for the most part, upon ground about one hundred feet higher 
than the city. 

After the fall of Yicksburgh, the apprehension of an attack 
stimulated the defensive operations, and the year 1863 wit- 
nessed the completion, by Gen. Leadbetter, of a second line of 
works, built nearer the city, and in fact passing through the 
suburbs. It included sixteen enclosed and strong forts. This 
rendered the defences so formidable that it was estimated a 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. U 

garrison of ten tlionsand effective troops could hold the city 
ninety days against a besieging army of forty thousand. 

Another and still stronger line of works was constructed in 
1864, about lialfAvay between the other two. This line, built by 
Lieut.-Col. V. Sheliha, included nineteen heavy bastioned forts 
and eight redoubts. The parapets of these forts were fi-om 
twenty to thu'ty feet thick, the ditches about twenty feet deep, 
and tliirty feet or thereabouts in width. 

Harbor Fortifications. — Nor were the works ordinary which 
had been prepared to resist an attack by water. Just below the 
city were ten batteries to sweep the channel. Two of these were 
floating. Long rows of piles had been driven to obstruct the 
channel ; and though an opening was here and there left 
through which vessels might cautiously pass, yet they would 
almost have to hug the muzzles of heavy guns which at every 
such outlet threatened destruction. Such were the obstacles on 
the Spanish river channel, the usual route. 

On the eastern shore of the bay vessels could pass up the 
Appalachee river and come round through the Tensas, arriving 
in front of Mobile, clear of the obstructions before mentioned. 
But to close this route Batteries Huger and Tracy had been 
built on low ground close to the river, and piles had also been 
driven across the channel ; and in different parts of the bay 
many torpedoes had been planted. 

But the principal barrier against attack by water, up to the 
summer of 1864, had been Forts Morgan and Gaines. These 
imposing walled forts stood at the entrance of the bay, four 
miles apart, and afforded protection to blockade-runners. They 
had been built by the United States, but were seized and taken 
possession of by the confederates as early as January, 1861. 

Fort Gaines was built in star-fashion, mounting tliirty guns, 
and garrisoned by nine hundred men. Fort Morgan was built 
on a grander scale, armed with sixty powerful guns, and had a 



12 CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 

water battery in its front. Besides these was Fort Powell, near 
Cedar point, built to command Grant's pass — an inconsiderable 
and incomplete work, and mounting only eight guns. In the 
channel in front of Fort Morgan, and not more than a mile dis- 
tant from it, four hundi'ed torpedoes had been planted. But the 
current there is strong, and only one of them was ever known to 
cause any damage. 

Thus was Mobile hemmed about with grim preparations 
against an adversary. And besides these fortifications,- there 
was no inconsiderable confederate navy lurking in the harbor. 
The ram Tennessee, that afterward made a frightful dash at the 
Hartford, and the gunboats Gaines, Morgan, Selma, and other 
vessels, had by their menacing attitude created some apprehen- 
sion of an attempt to raise the blockade ; and the federal gov- 
ernment felt the necessity of Farragut's presence there. He was 
therefore ordered to resume command of the western gulf squad- 
ron, which he did; and arrived off Mobile- on the 18th of Jan- 
uary, 1864. 



CHAPTER II. 

EARLIER OPERATIONS AGAINST MOBILE. 

Assuming tliat the Red river expedition would be successful, 
Grant, on the 31st of March, 1864, in a despatch to Banks, 
expressed the opinion that after reserving a force sufficient to 
guard the Mississippi river he (Banks) would have left, accord- 
ing to the last returns, a force of over thirty thousand effective 
men with which to move against Mobile ; to which he expected 
to add five thousand men from IMissouri. "If, however," he 
continued, "you think the force here stated too small to hold 
the territory regarded as necessary to hold possession of, I 
would say concentrate at least twenty-five thousand men of your 
present command for operations against Mobile, with these and 
such other additions as I can give you from elsewhere lose no 
time in making a demonstration, to be followed by an attack on 
MobHe." 

The reverses along the Bed river prevented these instructions 
from being carried into effect. Gen. Canby assumed command 
of the mihtaiy division of West Mississippi on the 11th of May. 
He brought with him instructions to carry out, if possible, the 
contemplated movement against Mobile. But the recent suc- 
cess of the confederates west of the Mississippi iacreased their 
spmt so much that they at once assumed the aggressive. Kirby 
Smith's combined forces did not fall much short of sixty thou- 
sand men. He threatened several points on the Mississippi and 
the whole line of the Arkansas. It was necessary, therefore, to 
postpone the contemplated operations against Mobile, all. the 



14: CAMPAIGN OP MOBILE. 

movable forces being required to guard the Mississippi. It had 
been contemplated also to renew operations on Red river, but 
Canby became satisfied that the troops could be used to better 
advantage east of the Mississippi. He was also called on to 
send six thousand men of the Nineteenth corps by sea from New 
Orleans to Washington when the latter place was threatened, 
and the movement being executed with promptitude and secresy 
they reached there at a most opportune moment. • 

But although the federal army was yet unable to assail 
Mobile, that place, was destined to receive a tremendous blow 
from the navy, in the reduction of those frowning citadels that 
guarded the bay and harbor. Farragut's heroic and magnifi- 
cent naval engagement with Forts Morgan and Gaines and the 
confederate monitors, on the 6th of August, 1864, is a familiar 
and memorable event, and some mention of it should here be 
made including the operations of the land forces. On that day, 
Fort Powell was blown up and evacuated ; on the 8th, Fort 
Gaines surrendered with its garrison, and on the 23d, the federal 
ensign was once more hoisted over Fort Morgan. 

Bombardment and Siege of Forts Morgan and Gaines. — At 
eleven o'clock of the night of August 2, Gen. Gordon Granger 
arrived off Santa Rosa Island, with fifteen hundred effective 
men, consisting of the Seventy-seventh Illinois, Thirty-fourth 
Iowa, Ninety-sixth Ohio, Third Maryland dismounted cavalry, 
and Cobb's colored regiment of engineers, the whole under 
the immediate command of Brig.-Gen. McGinnis. After Granger 
had consulted with Admiral Fairragut, the troops, on the 3d, 
moved up to Dauphine island, and effected a landing before 
dark. They immediately moved forward toward a clearing in 
the woods, ten miles distant. By dark a heavy rain set in. 
The gunboats shelled the woods, and, amidst the thick dark- 
ness and thunder-storm, the march was slow. Three times 
the skirmish line got in rear of the main column. Finally, at 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 15 

midnight, weaiy and drenclied to the skin, the column halted 
and sank down on the sand to await morning. Then myriads 
of mosquitoes commenced their attack ; but the men, being 
literally exhausted by such a march, feU. asleep. In the morn- 
ing the march was resumed ; the confederate skirmishers were 
soon met, but made little resistance, and at ten, A. M., the 
column came in sight, and within two miles of Fort Gaiues. 
At the edge of the woods a Hne was formed, and reserve breast- 
works constructed of fallen trees. On the 4th, the skirmishers 
were within half a mile of the fort, and intrenchments were 
commenced. The guns from Fort Gaines did some shelling, 
and the skirmish fire on both sides was lively, but the casual- 
ties were light. 

The morning of the 5th was clear and cloudless. The con- 
federate guns opened briskly at sunrise. It was the morning 
Farragut had promised his gallant seamen and marines, "they 
should breakfast in Mobile bay." 

At six o'clock, the fleet of some fourteen splendid vessels, 
with slow and stately pace, steamed toward Fort Morgan. 
Farragut, as is well known, had taken post in the main rigging 
of the flagship, Hartford. The Tecumseh, beiug in the lead, 
fired the first shot. Ten minutes afterward, both forts opened 
on the fleet. About the same time the Tecumseh struck a tor- 
pedo, and the gallant Craven and his devoted crew — about one 
hundred and twenty souls — found a watery grave. A moment- 
ary shudder pierced the breast of every beholder. Ten were 
rescued by the bravery of Acting Ensign H. C Nields and 
boat's crew from the Metacomet, within six hundred yards of 
the fort, under a galling fire. Every gun that could be brought 
to bear from the ships was constantly served. In the begin- 
ning, Fort Morgan itself seemed a wall of fire, but in a few 
moments was obscured by smoke. As the Tecumseh sank, the 
flagship rushed forward and took the lead. The shock, the 



16 CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 

dread clamor, of that cannonading — its sharp concussion and 
loudly reverberating roar, defy description. Amid the tempest 
of battle, Farragut, from his elevated position, calmly surveyed 
the whole scene. One hour of intense excitement — one hour of 
straining toil at the guns — and the fleet passed the fort and 
entered the bay. Then the confederate navy — the ram Ten- 
nessee, the Morgan, Gaines, and Selma — opened fire. The 
Metacomet gave chase to the Sehna, and in an hour captured 
her and her crew of ninety oiiicers and men. The Morgan 
escaped up the bay ; the Gaines, disabled, sought shelter linder 
the gTins of Fort Morgan. The u'on ram Tennessee, like a 
monstrous thing of life, stood up with thi-eatening aspect for 
the Hartford. Seeing this, Farragut signalled the monitors, 
and wooden vessels best adapted, to attack her, not only with 
thek gams, but bows on at full speed. For two hoiu-s the strug- 
gle was desperate and fearful. The ironclads grappled fiercely 
with then- huge antagonist, and the wooden vessels, with ro- 
mantic valor, bore down on her invulnerable sides. Finally, 
the Manhattan, with a XY-inch shot, penetrated her armor, 
and a shot fi'om a monitor in her steering apparatus rendered 
her helpless. The white flag appeared, and twenty officers and 
one hundi'ed and seventy men were suiTendered. Her loss 
was eight or ten killed and wounded, her admh'al, Buchanan, 
being seriously wounded. The loss in the federal navy that 
morning was fifty-two killed and one hundred and seventy 
wounded. 

The fleet now washed up their bloody decks and rested. 
Meantime the siege of Fort Gaines continued. On the 6th, 
the laud forces mounted two thh-ty-pounder Parrotts and four 
twelve-pounder rifles, and prepared works for more guns. 
About five, P. :m;., one of the monitors steamed ii]) and dropped 
several shells into the fort. Apprehending what might follow, 
the commander of the garrison, Col. Anderson, inqnu'ed of Ad- 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 17 

mii'al Farragnt on what terms lie would receive tlie surrender 
of the fort. 

The 7th was occupied in arranging terms and making out 
rolls of men to be surrendered. 

At nine, A. M., of the 8th, Foi-t Gaines was unconditionally 
surrendered, and large quantities of ammunition and supplies 
were tui-ned over in good condition. The confederate loss in 
killed and wounded had not exceeded ten, and the federal land 
forces lost only two killed. Among the latter was Corporal 
Grey, of the Thirty-fourth Iowa. 

The prisoners — nine hundred — were immediately embarked 
for New Orleans, and the besiegers regaled themselves with 
the best meal they had had since arriving on Dauphine island — 
corn-dodgers, fiied bacon, and coffee. 

Siege of Fort Ilorgan. — On the 9th, at dayhght. Granger's 
command, now reinforced by the Twentieth Wisconsin, Thirty- 
eighth Iowa, and Ninety-fourth Illinois, embarked for Navy 
cove, foiu' miles down the peninsula from Fort Morgan, on the 
bay side, with a view to besiege that fort. The commander of 
Fort Morgan then caused the gunboat Gaines to be burned, 
and also the hospital and other buildings outside of the fort. 
After landing, the troops moved forward, and that night lay 
on their arms two miles from the fort. 

On the 10th, they advanced, and the Thu'ty-fourth Iowa, 
being on the sldi-mish line, got within six hundred yards of 
the fort without drawing fire, the garrison keeping quiet and 
expecting an assault. Shght advances were made each night, 
and intrenchments dug in the sand, till the skirmishers were 
within two hundi-ed yards of the fort. Occasionally a monitor 
would steam up, and throw one-hundred and two-hundred- 
pound shells into the fort, but the replies fi'om the latter 
seemed ineffective against their iron sides ; though, in the arma- 

2 



18 CAMPAIGN OP MOBILE. 

ment of the fort, were several Armstrong and Whitney guns, 
and one Whitworth. 

A siege-train having previously arrived, under Gen. Richard 
Arnold, by the 21st, the land forces had twenty-five cannon 
and sixteen mortars in position. The mortars were behind a 
heavy parapet four hundred yards from the fort, and manned 
by men of the Thirty-eighth Iowa. The gmns were in redoubts, 
and manned by companies of the First Indiana heavy artillery 
and a detachment of sailors from the fleet, the naval battery 
being commanded by Lieut. Tyson, of the Hartford. The troops 
were subjected to severe toil in constructing works in the sand ; 
and were day and night exposed to a searching fire from the 
fort. 

The Bombardment. — At daylight on the 22d, a gun from a 
monitor gave the signal for a general bombardment. At nine, 
A. M,, the whole fleet was in fine of battle and the firing con- 
tinued with unabated fury. From seven to nine, p. m., it was 
slow and irregular ; but at haK past nine, P. ir., a fire was dis- 
covered breaking out in the fort, and the firing was then in- 
tensely renewed to prevent extinguishment. Six or eight mortar 
shells could be counted in the air at once ; and every shot ap- 
peared to take effect. Nor in the midst of this destructive 
shower was the garrison moved by any weak fears. When the 
fire broke out they exposed themselves to extinguish it, and 
threw ninety thousand pounds of powder into the cisterns. 
Between forty and fifty had been killed or wounded. One 
man had been blown eighty feet into the air by the explosion 
of a shell. The interior of the fort had become a mass of 
smouldering ruins ; there was not a space five feet square 
which had not been defaced by shell. Many of the guns had 
been shattered into pieces by solid shot and shells. 

The garrison did not reply to the fleet during the bombard- 
ment. They attempted, however, to use some of their guns on 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 19. 

the land batteries but were prevented by sharpsliooters. Their 
0"WTi sharpshooters were somewhat troublesome to the besiegers; 
but the latter during the operations had only five men wounded. 

The firing continued at intervals all night, and at six, a. m,, on 
the 23d, a white flag appeared on the parapet of the fort, and 
the garrison was formally surrendered at half past two, P. M. 

The Twentieth Wisconsin and Thirty-fourth Iowa were desig- 
nated on the part of the land forces to receive the suiTender. 
When the prisoners had been marched out and the confederate 
flag was taken down, the confederate general, Page, was affected 
to tears. But good humor and mirth prevailed among the men. 
The besiegers had used mules in hauling up theu' guns. The 
confederate pickets, seeing this and giving the animals credit for 
longer ears than they really had, had been free in expressions of 
derision at such a battery. And now the besiegers were return- 
ing the raillery. 

Such is an epitome of the operations which contributed un- 
common renown to the naval history of the republic. The land 
forces engaged were j)roud and joyous in having a small share 
in so much glory. 

The federal fleet now having control of Mobile bay put a stop 
to blockade-running. It was given out and generally beheved 
that Mobile could be taken at pleasure. But it was hardly so, 
nor was any further movement made. The confederates hasten- 
ed to strengthen their defences nearer the city, and built the 
works known as Sj)anish fort on the eastern shore. 

The bay having been strewn with torpedoes Farragut com- 
menced the process of removing them, and on the 13th of Sep- 
tember reported that twenty-one had been taken up. 

A demonstration was made against Mobile the following 
December by a small column of infantry under Gen. Granger, 
moving from Pascagoula. It reached Grand bay twenty-two 
miles from the city, and then returned. At the same time a 



20 CAMPAIGN OP MOBILE. 

coliirmi of cayaliy under Gen. Davidson, fi-om Baton Rouge, 
struck, but did not cross, tlie Pascagoula river ; and another 
column of cavahy under Gen. Grierson was nioying southeaster- 
ly from Memphis. 

If the condition of affairs in Mobile had been known to the 
federal commander at the time Fort Powell was evacuated, 
August 5th, he could then have cheaply captiu'ed the place. 
There were then no troops in nor immediately about the city — 
the artillery even having been called away to oppose Gen. A. J. 
Smith's column then advancing from Memphis. And after the 
fight with him at Harrisbui"gh the same troops were ordered to 
West Point, Georgia, to support Gen. Hood, so that the federal 
forces, if moved through Grant's pass in Kght-di'aught steamers, 
thence up Dog river to Dog river factory, and there disem- 
barked, could have marched into the city with scarcely any 
resistance — demonstrations beiag made at the same time by the 
fleet upon the batteries in fi'ont of the city.^ But it would, of 
course, have been necessary to reinforce Gen. Granger's small 
command to at least eight thousand men to enable him to hold 
the city successfully for a great length of time. In twenty days 
Gen. Mamy had collected such a garrison of confederate ti"oops 
as would have required the federals to resort to the slow 2:)rocess 
of a siege. 

1 Geu. D. H. Maiirv's Report, Mobile Times, Mar. 11, 1866. 



CHAPTER III. 

CONCENTRATION, ORGANIZATION, AND EQUIPAIBNT OF THE ARMY. 

A CAMPAIGN and its plan being determined on, there needs to 
be on the part of the leader a foresight which includes every- 
thing, and a care that never sleeps, to secure for the army the 
proper supply of material, the best equipment, the utmost effi- 
ciency ; so that it can at any moment take advantage of its suc- 
cess, or if it meet with reverses that it shall not be overcome. 

That operations should be undertaken against Mobile was 
decided early in January, 1865 ; but the plan was not arranged 
till some time afterward. 

The troops designated for the campaign had to be moved by 
water from posts above New Orleans to the vicinity of Mobile 
bay — some point on which would be the base ; and as the trans- 
portation required sea and gulf vessels, whose number and capa- 
city were less than river transports, this preliminary movement 
required considerable time. 

Canby's movable forces had lately been organized into bri- 
gades of the " Reserve Corps of the Military Division of the West 
Mississippi," comprising about ten thousand effectives. They 
had formed a part of the Thirteenth corps at Yicksburgh, and 
more recently had belonged to the Nineteenth corps. One 
brigade was at Devall's Bluff, Arkansas, and the remamder 
were stationed along the Mississippi from Memphis down. 
Early in January they were concentrated at Kenner, ten miles 
above New Orleans, and Major-Gen. E. Steele was assigned to 
their command, with instructions to have them fitted for a cam- 



22 CAMPAIGN OP MOBILE. 

paign. They were troops wliicli liad been well tried on many 
occasions, and were in all respects such as any commander 
would be proud of. Here they remained about three weeks; 
Their camp lay outside of the levee, stretched along for four 
mUes, and the ground was actually lower than the surface of the 
river. The weather was hke September along the St. Lawrence, 
but there was considerable rain, and the ground being much of 
the time wet and muddy the men could hardly be comfortable. 
Nevertheless, in pursuance of Gen. Steele's orders, some time 
was spent each day, when the weather admitted, in drill — prin- 
cipally in the manual of arms. 

What the campaign was to be, whether against Mobile or into 
Texas, was not yet kiiown even by Gen. Steele. But a portion 
of the troops being ordered to Barrancas, Florida, it appeared 
the former must be the objective point. 

About the 23d of January, Gen. Canby received information 
leading to a suspicion that an attempt would be made by the 
confederates to regain possession of Barrancas or some other 
point thereabouts on the gulf. 

On the afternoon of that day a despatch was received at Ken- 
ner for the commander of the Third brigade of the reserve to 
report immediately in person at the headquarters of the military 
division, New Orleans ; and complying therewith before dark, he 
received written instructions to proceed with the detachment of 
his brigade then at Kenner to East Pascagoula, and was enjoined 
to use despatch. Transportation was not then entirely ready. 
Yet the next day the regiments had all embarked with their 
equipage. The Twenty-fourth Indiana proceeded on the Corin- 
thian round through the mouth of the river and the gulf. 

By dusk the Thirty-fourth Iowa, and One Hundred and Four- 
teenth Ohio, had landed at New Orleans ; whence they pro- 
ceeded by rail to Lake Pontchartrain in detachments — ^tlie cars 
being insufficient to take an entire regiment. Arriving there in 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 23 

the middle of a dark and windy niglit, they rapidly moved their 
stores and teams over the long wharf — which in many places 
was so rotten that some of the animals broke through — took their 
wagons to pieces and loaded them and the equipage on steam- 
ers, making the fourth time their luggage had been handl'ed in 
twenty-four hours. At daylight, the 26th, they reported to Gen. 
Granger, at East Pascagoula, and were by him ordered to Bar- 
rancas, in accordance with previous instructions from Gen. Canby. 
They arrived at Barrancas at daylight, the 27th, and debarked 
and went into camp. The remainder of the brigade arrived on 
the 1st of Febmary ; and it was there in camp six weeks. 

It may interest the reader to know how troops spend such a 
period of time immediately preceding a campaign. But first let 
us take a view of their surroimdings ; likewise of their camp. 

The natural appearance of that part of the country is unat- 
tractive. BaiTancas is a narrow and sandy peninsula, a third 
part covered mth pine ojDenings, with here and there clusters of 
live oaks. Along the shore the sand is white, and on a raw day 
creates the illusion of snow. 

The fort which gives the place its name was originally built by 
the Spaniards, about two centuries ago, and with Fort Pickens, 
which is opposite, helps to guard the entrance into the splendid 
harbor of Pensacola. On the southeastern side of the peninsula 
are the ruins of the Pensacola navy-yard ; and surrounding that 
are the villages of Woolsey and Warrington. From the land- 
ing at Barrancas the ground rises slightly for a mile, and then 
declines to a bayou on the north side. On the higher ground 
was located the camp of the brigade. Its front was along the 
edge of the pine wood, and near was a small clear stream. 

The Camp at Barrancas. — The brigade was camped in the 
following order from right to left, the regiments having taken 
position as they happened to arrive, rather than according to 
rank : The Twenty-foui'th Indiana (veteran), consolidated with 



24 CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 

the Sixty-seventli, Col. W. T. Spicely ; the Thirty-fourth Iowa, 
consohdated with the Thirty-eighth, Col. G. W. Clark; the 
One Hundred and Fourteenth Ohio, consolidated with the One 
Hundred and Twentieth, Col. J. H. KeUy ; the Eighty-tliird 
Ohio, consolidated with the Forty-eighth (veteran), Col. F. W. 
Moore; the Sixty-ninth Indiana, Lieut.-Col. O. Perry; and the 
Ninety-seventh lUinois, Lieut.-Col. V. Vifquain. Some time 
afterward, the Seventy-sixth Illinois, Col. S. F. Busey, arrived, 
and, being attached to the brigade, took position on the left. 

It is a saying among the volunteers, that the more pleasant 
their camp is made, the sooner will they be caUed upon to 
leave it. However much or httle this thought influenced these 
regiments, they certailily, in a very few days, made a beautiful 
and attractive camp. It was laid out with five streets to a regi- 
ment, with tents for two companies on a street, the companies 
facing. Small evergreen trees were cut and hauled to the 
camp, and set in rows on each side of every street, and in front 
of every tent. Handsome arbors were made, and artificial 
groves before the officers' tents ; and especially around the hos- 
pital tents, which, however, were but few in number and had 
but few inmates. Walks were neatly arranged, having their 
margins adorned with shrubbery, handsome shells, and devices 
moulded from the white sand. Guns, mortars, shields, cannon- 
balls, and other warlike implements were ingeniously carved in 
this sand, with, here and there, a felicitous motto or inscription. 
Its cleanliness corresponded with the taste and industry dis- 
played in ornamenting it. 

These soldiers were some of the best yoimg men of the West, 
and had the characteristics of proud and gallant men, as one 
could plainly see who noticed them off duty in their famUiar and 
joyous groups around the camp. The plates on their accoutre- 
ments were kept brightly polished, and their muskets and 
accoutrements always neat. Two hours in the forenoon they 



CAMTAIGN OF MOBILE. 25 

spent in company drill, devoting considerable attention to tlie 
manual of arms and to target practice ; and two hours of the 
afternoon were devoted to brigade drill. The ground on which 
these drills took place was a mile north of Fort Barrancas. The 
field officers met evenings in the school of the brigade ; and the 
exercises of the brigade in the field were eminently successful. 
As these battahons moved with so much precision and beauty, 
closed in mass, or rapidly deployed, or advanced in line of battle 
in double-quick on the charge, theu' bayonets ghttering and 
their alignment grandly preserved, no observer could doubt — 
remembering they had been through many battles — that these 
were rehersals for no common event. 

As transportation could be furnished, the greater portion of 
the other brigades of the Reserve corps moved fi'om Kenner 
to Fort Gaines. On the 18th of February, the Reserve corps, 
with the addition of seven regiments, namel}^, the Twenty-ninth 
and Thirty-third Iowa, Fiftieth Indiana, Twenty-seventh, Twen- 
ty-eighth, and Thii'ty-fif bh Wisconsin, and Seventy-serenth Ohio, 
which had been sent do\\Ti from the department of Arkansas ; 
and several light batteries, were organized as the Tliirteenth 
corps, comprising three divisions, and Major-Gen. Gordon 
Granger assigned to its command. 

The Sixteenth army corps, commanded by Major-Gen. A. J. 
Smith, having taken a prominent part in the two days' battle 
of Nashville, and in the j)ursuit of Hood's army, was, early in 
February, at Eastport, Mississippi. The roads rendering it 
impracticable for a further movement south with heavy trains, 
orders were sent by Grant to have this corps move round and 
report to Canby. Accordingly, on the 5th and 6th of February, 
a fleet of forty-three river steamboats and seven tow-boats with 
barges, appeared at Eastport, and taking aboard the Sixteenth 
corps and five thousand of Wilson's cavaky, with horses, on 
the 7tli, moved down the Tennessee to the Ohio, thence into 



26 CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 

the Mississippi. In eight days it arrived at Yicksburgh, wlaere, 
in pursuance of orders, tlie cavalry disembarked. But an un- 
fortunate blunder in transmitting a telegraphic despatcli, caused 
the Sixteenth corps also to land and go into camp. But Gen. 
Smith, having orders in his pocket for his corps to move to 
New Orleans, hastened down the river to the nearest telegraphic 
station, and, communicating with Gen. Canby, had the matter 
corrected, and returned to Vicksburgh for his corps. Four 
days were thus lost. Ee-embarking, the Sixteenth corps 
reached the suburbs of New Orleans on the 21st, having 
moved thirteen hundred and thirty-five miles in eleven days 
of actual travel. It then remained some days on the low, 
wet ground, a few -of the regiments occupying Jackson's 
battle-field. By the 7th of March it had arrived at Fort 
Gaines. 

About the same time, Hawkins' colored division, five thou- 
sand five hundred strong, arrived at Barrancas. Ten days 
later, Lucas' brigade of cavalry arrived at the same place, and 
the column forming there had been placed under the command 
of Gen. Steele. 

The siege-train was being organized at Fort Gaines, and 
consisted of the seven batteries of the Fhst Indiana, and "A" 
and "K" of the Sixth Michigan (heavy) artillery, and Mack's 
Eighteenth New York. 

The main army was now encamped on Dauphine island, in 
the vicinity of Fort Gaines, under shelter-tents. 

Inspections were frequent, to the end that deficiencies in 
clothing and equipments might be supplied and all surplus 
articles be dispensed with. The troops received new cloth- 
ing, to make their supply complete. 

Canby's orders to perfect the organization, equipment, and 
mobility of the army, were most thorough, and may be studied 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 27 

with profit by tliose wLo shall hereafter undertake campaigns ; 
by all, indeed, who follow the profession of arms.^ 

1 HEADQUARTERS, 
GENERAL ORDERS, | Military Division of West Mississippi, 

No. 15. f New Orleans, La., February 5t?i, 1865. 

1. The following extracts "from General Orders, No. 4, series of 1864, from 
these headquarters, relating to troops in the field, and to reserve forces held 
in readiness for field service, are hereby republished for careful consideration 
and for strict observance in spirit and in letter : 

".AH details from these trooj^s, for extra or special service at posts,- depots, 
or hospitals, will at once be relieved, and the men sent to their regiments and 
companies, their places being supplied, as far as practicable, by hired men or 
non-efifectives. The number of clerks, orderlies, &c., will be reduced whenever 
it is practicable. ..... .^. 

" Recruits and convalescents for organizations that are in the field, or desig- 
nated for field service, will be forwarded as rapidly as possible. Efficiency 
and mobility will be seciu'ed by rejecting everything not essential to these 
conditions. The clothing issued will be limited to the suit the soldier wears, a 
change of underclothing, and an extra pair of shoes. Coats will not be issued 
when blouses can be supplied, and the articles to be carried in the trains will 
be limited to such quantities as may be necessary to meet i^robable accidental 
losses. Camp equipage Avill, in like manner, be reduced to the lowest possible 
limit. Shelter-tents, only, will be issued to the troops of this command. All 
cumbrous articles of mess equipage, regimental and company desks, will be left 
behind ; and the records, papers, &c., absolutely necessary in the field, will be 
packed in the lightest and most compact form. The equipment of officers will 
correspond to that of the men, and everything in excess of the established 
allowance will be rejected by the inspectors. 

" No person, not in the military service of the United States, will be allowed 
to accompany any force operating in the field. 

" Subsistence for troops in campaign will be limited to the essential articles 
of bread and meat, and a reduced allowance of the small rations. When they 
can be provided, bacon and hard bread will be taken in preference to their 
equivalents, and the resources of the country, in which the troops are to ope- 
rate, must be considered in determining the quantity of supplies to be taken. 
The number of rations to be carried in the haversacks will be determined by 
circumstances, but the troops will habitually have on hand three days' cooked 
rations, so as to be in readiness to move at any moment. 

" The land transportation in every command wiU be put in perfect order, 
and commanders will make their preparations in accordance with the condition 
above stated." 

2. The detail of orderlies for the headquarters of the several commands in 



28 CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 

Transportation. — The allowance of transportation on tlie cam- 
paign was : For the general headquarters, and for the head- 
quarters of each army corps, three wagons ; lor the headquarters 
of each division, two wagons ; for the headquarters of each bri- 
gade, one wagon ; for each regiment of two hundred and fifty 
men, or less, one wagon ; for each additional two hundred and 
fifty men or fraction of that number (not less than fifty), one 
wagon ; for each battery, one wagon ; for each company of 
pioneers, for its tools, one wagon J 

Quarters. — Officers as well as men were restricted to shelter 
tents ; but for office purposes three wall tents were allowed 
to the headquarters of the army; two to army corps, and 
one to division or "btrigade headquarters, and one common 
(wedge) tent to each regiment or battery. 

Hospital. — Hospital tents were allowed at the rate of one 
tent for each six hundred men, to be used only in division 
hospital organizations. 

Ambulances were allowed at the rate of one to each four hun- 
dred men, one to each battery, two to the headquarters of 



this division, will be limited to the absolute necessities, and will not, except 
under extraordinary circumstances, exceed : 

For an infantry brigade, three mounted and four foot orderlies. 
For an infantry division, four mounted and five foot orderlies. 
For a cavalry brigade, five mounted orderlies. 
For a cavalry division, seven mounted orderhes. 

The efficiency of companies will not be impaired by the detail of non-com- 
missioned officers as clerks, orderlies, or on other special service, nor will they 
be detached from their companies unless the strength of the detachment, with 
which they are to serve, is such as to warrant it. 
By order of Maj.-Gen. E. R. S. Canby. 

0. T. Cheistensen, 
Official. Ldeid.-Col, Assistant Adjutant-General 

1 " All officers are enjoined to bear in mind, that every man, or animal, 
or pound of baggage, beyond what is essential for efficiency, that has to 
be fed, transported, or guarded, is an embarrassment that must be avoid- 
ed."— 6?eneraZ Order No. 22, Feh. 22, 1865. 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 29 

the army and of army corps ; and to eacli division train of 
ambulances, tliree army wagons were allowed for transporta- 
tion of hospital tents and mess-cliests. 

Clotliing was limited to tlie suit the soldier wore, a change 
of underclothing, and an extra j)air of shoes. But each man 
had a blanket, and some also, perhaps most, took along their 
overcoats. The extra articles of clothing were carried by the 
soldier in his knapsack. 

Rations were limited to the essential articles of meat (three 
quarters of a pound of salt meat to a man per day), bread, 
coffee, sugar, and salt, and one fourth rations of soap. 

Ammunition was required to be kept on hand in each bat- 
talion using small arms, in the proportion of one hundred 
rounds per man ; each man to carry forty rounds in his 
cartridge-box ; and each company commander always to hold 
in his possession, and transport in the company wagon the 
remaining sixty rounds per man ; but in case it could not 
be so transported the men carried twenty rounds of it in 
their knapsacks. An additional one hundred rounds per man 
was carried in each division ammunition supply train, under 
charge of the acting ordance officer. Each battery carried 
as near two hundred complete rounds of assorted ammunition 
per gun as the capacity of the caissons would admit. And 
another one hundred rounds per gun was carried in the 
division train. 

JEquipment. — Each mfantry soldier was armed with the rifled 
musket and common bayonet; one pick, spade, and axe, were 
also carried to each twelve men. 

Pioneers. — In each division a pioneer company was organized, 
by the selection of officers and men having aptitude for the duty, 
and who were well supplied with spades, shovels, axes, picks, 
saws, and carpenters' tools. 



30 CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 

General orders No. 20, from headquarters of the commandmg 
general, provided for division and brigade staff as follows : 

" II. The chief quartermaster, commissary, engineer, ord- 
nance, and medical officers at these headquarters, will assign an 
officer of their departments to each of the infantry divisions and 
cavalry brigades that are not already provided. Division com- 
manders will appoint the inspectors and provost-marshals, sub- 
ject to the approval of the corps commanders, and wUl nominate, 
for approval, the mustering officers for their divisions. The 
same rule, except in the case of mustering officers, wiU apply to 
infantry brigades when detached from their divisions 

" IV. The staff of division and brigade commanders will be 
limited to the officers indicated in paragraph II., and to their 
assistant adjutant-general and personal aids ; and no other staff 
or acting staff officers wUl be allowed, except upon the special 
recommendation of the corps commanders." 

Orders were issued carefully defining the duties of the pro- 
vost-marshal, and also prescribing a system of foraging. So it 
was prescribed as a rule, that every regiment, on reaching its 
position, should at once, without waiting for orders, cover its 
front by such temporary works as might be necessary. Nor was 
the duty to be intermitted on account of the supposed distance 
of the enemy ; and superior commanders were to be responsible 
that their flanks, and the intervals between adjacent commands, 
were ia like manner covered. ^ Officers were reminded that the 
spade and the pick are useful adjuncts to the musket and the 
rifle. 

1 General Field Order No. 1, Mai'cli 7, 1865. 



CHAPTER lY. 

THE PLAN OF OPERATIONS 

The fortifications around Mobile were so strong tliat a direct 
movement on the place, from the -western shore, would have 
encountered unequal resistance, and involved a protracted siege. 
It was therefore determined to flank them. The base would be 
fixed on the eastern shore ; and the main army moving up on 
that shore, with the aid of the navy, would carry the forts on 
the islands and main land, and then approach Mobile by the 
Tensas river or one of the channels coming in above. 

On this plan a large portion of the troops and the supplies 
could be moved by water into Fish river, affording a secure 
base within twenty miles of Spanish fort. 

In the meantime, to destroy communication by railroad 
between Mobile and Montgomery, and to prevent reinforce- 
ments coming from the latter point to Mobile, or the garrison 
from escaping, a column of twelve thousand was to move out 
from Pensacola north. By moving as far as Pollard it would 
also create the behef that it was aiming at Montgomery, and 
tend to distract and deceive the confederates. 

In case the main army should reduce the eastern shore 
defences sooner than was expected, then the column from 
Pensacola could be ordered on to Montgomery — though this 
Was not contemplated ; but if the operations were protracted, 
it would move round and form a junction with the main army. 

So, if the reduction of those works demanded a very long 
time, then the forces would pass them, move on to Mont- 



32 CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 

gomery — wHcb. was really tlie objective point — cleaving Mobile 
to fall in due time by these indirect operations. 

It is to be borne in mind that the difficulty in bringing up 
supplies by land, tended to retard a column moving far into 
the interior more than any armed resistance that could be 
expected. 

While these operations should be progressing a large column 
of cavalry was to move down from North Alabama to divert 
the attention of Forrest and the bulk of the confederate cavalry, 
then hoverirg about Central Alabama and Mississippi. 

Some smaller cavahy expeditions were projected, the achieve- 
ments of which will be noticed. 



CHAPTER Y. 

THIRTEENTH AND SIXTEENTH CORPS MOVE TO DANLEY'S, ON 

FISH RIVER. 

The movement was commenced by tlie Thirteentli corps, 
March. 17th. Benton's division, numbering six thousand, pre- 
ceded by Bertram's brigade of the Second division — which 
during the campaign continued detached from its division — 
marched at haK-past five from Fort Morgan, along the penin_ 
sida nuie miles, and went into camp in an open pine forest. 
On the 18th, they marched thirteen miles on a good road over 
a natural shell bank, and camped at three, p. m., on Baj^ou 
portage. On the 19th, the unreliable and swampy character 
of the ground disclosed itself, the firm appearing surface prov- 
ing, when wet, to be a mere crust, under which was a bottom- 
less quicksand. Through this crust the wagons sank to the 
hubs. The head of the column passing round Bon Secour's 
bay, moved only a few miles, and the rear-guard got only a 
mile and a half. Large details were set at work corduroying 
the worst places. On the 20th, starting at nine, A. m., they 
moved slowly, the rain falling in torrents, and the corduroy 
afloat, and made four miles by night. Yeatch's division hav- 
ing crossecj fi"om Fort Gaines to Navy cove, the 17th, had now 
closed up on the Third division, and halted two days to let 
the latter division get in advance, but was obliged, meantime, 
to keep heavy details at work on the roads. 

At six, the morning of the 21st, the rain still pouring, Ben- 
ton's division moved on ; but the train could not even get out 

3 



34 CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 

of park. Every team seeking an untried path soon got mired, 
and wagons were seen in all directions sunk down to the hubs. 
The poor animals, in their struggles to haul the teams, half 
buried themselves. In this dilemma, long ropes were made fast 
to the teams, and the soldiers, with cheerfulness and alacrity, 
hauled both animals and wagons out of the mire with a rush ; 
and it was only their speed that saved each team from again 
sinking at every rod. The same laborious efforts were applied 
to the field artillery. The corps and division commanders were 
present, wading about in the mud to their knees, and the latter 
himseK lending a hand at the ropes. In hauhng the Twenty- 
sixth Nev/ York battery through a bad place, w^here the newly- 
made corduroy had been washed away, the men moved some 
distance in mud and water waist deep. These labors were 
being watched by confederate scouts. Only about two miles 
were made that day. The division went into camp at three, p. M., 
and made some fortifications on their right. The bay was o}ily 
three miles distant on the left. Yet only two miles off in that 
direction two hundred and fifty confederate cavalry camped the 
same night ; and before dark, hoping to capture a few foragers 
or stragglers, had driven up some cattle in sight of the camp 
of the Thirteenth corps ; yet without avail, as the orders about 
foraging were well enforced. 

Bertram's brigade having pushed on with great energy, and 
done its share of bridge-building and corduroymg, yet enjoying 
the privilege of the advance all the way, reached Fish river the 
same afternoon (21st) with Foust's battery and the wagons. 
The scouts attached to the brigade — thirty men of the Fourth 
"Wisconsin cavalry, under Lieut. Knowles, had a small skirmish 
during the day. The same afternoon, Capt. J. J. Smith's com- 
pany of pontoniers had, in three hours, taken the boats from 
raft and laid a bridge, three hundred and twenty feet in length, 
over Fish river. Bertram's brigade crossed over on this the 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 35 

next morning, and went into camp near the Sixteenth corps, and 
intrenched and felled trees in their fi'ont. 

The 22d opened fair. Late in the day this part of the column 
marched on through a pine forest, and in the evening, having 
gone five miles, went into camp on high ground ; the rear of the 
division came up by the light of the burning pitch trees. 

The 23d, Benton moved on over a fair road, though hilly, six 
miles, to the north fork of Fish river, crossed it on a pontoon, 
and went into camp on the light of the Sixteenth corps, the 
bands j)laying, "Oh, ain't you glad you're out of the wilderness." 
So -wTL-etched had been the road the train was not all up for three 
or four days ; but Col. Mackay, of the Thirty-third Iowa, suc- 
ceeded in getting a section of twenty wagons in that night. 

Veatch's division, having resumed the march on the 22d, en- 
countered similar difficulties and performed similar toils to those 
that retarded the advance. 

The afternoon of the 24:th, when within a few miles of Dan- 
ley's, the column, not being well closed up, was boldly attacked 
by a small party of confederate scouts, and some men and ani- 
mals captui'ed, in the following manner : 

Attack on the Train. — On the morning of the 24th, Lieut. Sib- 
ley, of the Fifteenth confederate cavahy, acting as scout for 
Gen. Lidell, left Greenwood with eight men, and passing round 
Polecat creek, came in sight of the First division, two miles 
above MagnoHa, by the middle of the afternoon. The small 
party halted and watched for stragglers. Soon they saw five 
men by themselves, who appeared to be resting ; and cautiously 
moving toward them till mthin a few yards, then spurring their 
horses into a keen gallop, and raising a yell, they charged and 
captui'ed them. The men were surprised and made no resistance. 
They belonged to the First brigade, the commander of which 
was sitting not far off. Two of the men were from the Twenty- 
'ninth Wisconsin, one being a drummer. Disarming the prison- 



36 CAMPAIGN OP MOBILE. 

ers, and leaving tliree men only to guard them, Lieut. Sibley, 
with the balance of bis men, in baK an bour charged on the 
train, a few hundred yards below, and captured a few wagoners 
and ten mules, and was prevented from further mischief by the 
Ninety-ninth Illinois coming up. He then returned with all his 
prisoners to Greenwood, and from there despatched to Gen. 
LideU, at Blakely, that he learned from the prisoners that Gen. 
A. J. Smith had a command on the Western shore to operate 
against Mobile — an error which, whether fabricated or not by 
the prisoners, helped to compensate for their capture. 

This gaUant feat of Lieut. Sibley created some excitement in 
the column. Men were hurried up from the rear, and some 
came back from the front to the scene of the affair. 

The division crossed Fish river the same evening, and went 
into camp with the rest of the corps. 

Demonstration on the Western Shore. — ^While the main army 
was moving up the east shore, a demonstration was also made 
on the west shore, to create the impression that the principal 
movement was there to be made. At noon, on the 18th, Col. 
J. B. Moore, with his brigade — First of Third division. Six- 
teenth corps — consisting of the Thirty-third Wisconsin, Ninety- 
fifth and Seventy-second Illinois, and Forty-fom^th Missouri — 
seventeen hundred effective — and two Bodman g-uns of the 
First Indiana light battery, embarked for Cedar point. Arriv- 
ing there, the pier was found nearly destroyed, and the men 
landed by passing in single file over a slight trestle-work. The 
confederates occupied the point in small force, which was driven 
back two miles, without any trouble, by the Seventy-second 
Hinois, Lieut.-Col. Stockton commanding. The artillery was 
landed by means of a temporary raft made with boats ; and 
commencing repairs on the pier at daylight the next morning, 
the horses were got on shore by tei., and at two, P. M., Moore 
moved forward, and at ^Alabama point, two miles up the bay, 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 37 

met the confederate outposts, consisting of two mounted com- 
panies, wliicli fell back with shght resistance, the Ninety-fifth 
Illinois, Col. Blanding, being in the advance and pui'suing them. 
At fi:Ve, P. M., Moore went into camp, and that night and the 
next morning had the calls repeated three or four times, to 
impress the enemy with the magnitude of his forces. At eight 
o'clock the next morning (20th), he advanced to Fowle river, 
where he met some resistance, the confederates having set the 
bridge on fire and taken position on the opposite side ; but he 
brought up his two guns and threw over some skirmishers 
without difficulty. Here he halted, not having orders to go 
further, and was gratified to learn that his force had been re- 
ported in Mobile, at from four thousand to six thousand. In 
this vicinity, and at different points on the road, some torpedoes 
were found, which were narrowly escaped ; and what was more 
singular, respectable American inhabitants were found who had 
never seen the United States flag, and desked Colonel Moore 
to show it to them, which he did. On the 22d, he received 
orders to embark for Fish river, and on the 23d, rejoined his 
division. 

31ovement of the Sixteenth Corps. — The Sixteenth corps moved 
on transports from Fort Gaines to Danley's ferry landing, on 
north bank of Fish river ; and the boats having to make two 
trips, the movement occupied the 20th, 21st, and 22d. Carr was 
ordered, with the boats carrying his division, to stand boldly up 
the bay, as if intending to land on the main shore, and then fall 
back and enter Fish river, which was done. 

Fish river is a dark, narrow, and crooked stream, and such 
boats as the Tarrascon and Starlight seemed to fill it to its 
banks. The latter, some distance from its mouth, swell into 
moderate bluffs, which Avere covered with a generous growth of 
cypress, magnoha, and pine, and fringed with a variety of 
flowers and shrubs. Occasionally a house was passed, the poor 



38 CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 

inmates of wliicli, haviag but a feeble conception of tlie troops, 
habitually bung out a wbite flag. A bald eagle, from the crest 
of a lofty pine, screamed out a welcome to tbe youthful vete- 
rans who tbickly covered the decks ; and they, remembering 
from their school-books how the ancient heroes received such 
an omen, accepted this as a favorable augury, and shouted out 
their usual cheers. 



11 



CHAPTER YI. 

THREE DAYS AT FISH RIVER. 

The Sixteenth corps remained in camp at Fish river for the 
Thii'teenth coi-jds to come up by land, and for supplies, trans- 
portation, and some of the heavy guns, to come up by water. 

Fish river, at Danley's ferry, is eighty yards wide and the cur- 
rent sluggish. The north bank is moderately high, the soil 
sandy, and covered with an open pine forest. Near by were the 
ruins of a mill, and four or five humble dwellings. 

Gen. Carr continued the brigade drills in his division which he 
had commenced at Fort Gaines, soon after assuming its com- 
mand, and constantly improved its disciphne and efficiency. 
And, in subsequent marches, no division of the corps was so 
poorly supplied as that with chickens and pigs ; nor did any 
division have higher reputation for gallantry. 

All this while the confederate Gen. Lidell, commanding the 
eastern division district of the gulf, had his scouts actively 
employed, endeavoring to learn Canby's strength and move- 
ments,^ 



^ The following despatches, as to movements before Spanish fort, are copied 
from Gen. LideU's Letter and Despatch Book : 

Capt. Lewis [A. A. A. G.), to Capt. Morgan, commanding cavalry at Montrose : 
" Hd. Qrs. East. Div. JDist. Gulf, Blakeiy, March 20, 1865, 2:15 p. m.— Don't let 
the enemy come up the eastern shore, or from Fish river, without timely notify- 
ing these headquarters. Watch closeh', and don't allow yourself to be surjirised. 
Give timely notice to Maj. Kimball, comd'g the infantry near Hollywood." 

Same to Lieut.-Gol. Brown, commanding at Spanish Fort : " March 20, 5 p. m. 
— Scrutinize most closely all persons to wham you give passes, and pass no 



40 CAMPAIGN OP MOBILE. 

The 23d, tlie confederate cavalry came up at daylight and felt 
the pickets on McArthur's front. Two hours afterward thej ad- 
vanced a line of skirmishers afoot, in which skirmish a man of 
the Eighth Wisconsin was seriously wounded, and two others 
slightly wounded. The confederates lost one killed and two 
wounded. But the firing was more general and protracted 
along the Hne than the event justified. 

The navy having kept pace with the army, on the 24th, 
some of its guns shelled the woods from the bay. 

woman without you know well who they are. There is a Mrs. ,who, it 

is said, is a spy for the enemy, and whom it is said has recently obtained 
passes from Spanish fort." 

Gen. Lidell to Col. Garner, Chief of Staff, Mobile : " BlaTcely, Mar. 20. . . . At 
last accounts, since dark. Col. Spence was at Whitby's bridge, on Fish river, 
trying to make discoveries through his scouts in various directions, as to the 
locality of the enemy." 

" This afternoon, from two o'clock to dark, fifteen gunboats have been shell- 
ing the eastern shore, from Ptock creek to the village, about six miles. No 
damage done except to houses Spanish fort is in a less state of prepara- 
tion now than this place, and I desire to put all the work on it I can." .... 

Gen. Lidell to Col. Spence, commanding cavalry, Montrose: "Mar. 21, 8:45 
p. M. — Can you not possibly capture some of the enemy's pickets, to find out the 
force they have ? If you cannot, make your preparations to drive them in to- 
morrow at daylight, to see what they have." 

Gen. Lidell to Col. Garner: '■^ March 22, 11 1^ a. m. — Col. Spence reports 
(8, A. M.) that he failed to capture the enemj^'s pickets at Danley's mill last 
night, as chain pickets were too close to the main body. Discovered only 
infantry as yet. No force has landed on bay shore." .... 
. Same to Same: " March 22. — Despatch just received from Lieut. Sibley, that 
a prisoner, captured on East Prong of Fish river, states he belongs to Ninety- 
first Illinois regiment, Thirteenth army corps, Gen. Granger commanding, com- 
prising 9,000 (nine thousand) men. Three regiments were in the advance at 
Danley's mill — three regiments near Magnolia, as yet but fifteen pieces of ar- 
tillery with them — balance coming. Assisted in loading the wagons, and heard 
Commissary say that he had issued rations for nine thousand men." 

Lidell to Maury : " March 23, 8 : 45 a. m. — Every man sent to the enemy's 
lines has either been imable to get admission, or, if admitted, has not returned 
to report." 

Cajjt. Leivis to Capt. Bush Jones, commanding infantry, near Hollywood : 
" March 23, 4 : 50 p. m. — Col. Spence reports, that the men you sent hun re- 
fused to advance upon the enemy, and the general directs that you furnish him 
better men." 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 41 

At this time some disappointment was being felt in the 
camp for the hxck of mails. 

Such of the soldiers as were disposed assembled in rehgioiis 
meetings when cu-cumstances j^ermitted. One pleasant even- 
ning, in Gilbert's brigade (Garrard's division, Sixteenth corps), 
a thousand men were assembled, and the woods being ht up 
by fires of pine-knots, the soldiers poured forth their fervent 
prayers and joined their voices in sacred hymns. Nor will 
those who remember such heroes as Havelock deny that 
piety is a help to valor. 

On the 25th, Canby moved forward with both corps and 
some of the heavy artiUerj?-; the men carrying four days' 
rations in haversacks. The Thirtieth Missouri was left to 
guard the pontoon bridge. The Sixteenth corps marched at 
eight, A. M. Hubbard's brigade of McArtliur's division being 
in the advance. The Thirteenth corps was under Avay by 
one, P. M. 

McArthur's division had got but a short distance when 
a small force of the confederates was met, which was 
steadily pressed back by four companies of the Ninth Min- 
nesota deployed as skii-mishers. There was more or less 
skii-mishing during the day, but the column was not retarded. 
Col. Marshall, commanding Third brigade. First di^asion. Six- 
teenth coi*ps, was wounded in the back of his neck by the 
ball of a sharpshooter, but stopped only long enough to have 
the wound dressed. The Sixteenth corps camped at Deer 
Park, having marched twelve mUes. The Thirteenth coi-ps 
encamped in the same neighborhood. And the troops in- 
trenched in compUance with the general order. 

Bertram's brigade of Second division, Thirteenth corps, had 
had moved on the left road to Montrose. At this place, which 
is a pleasant summer resort, the inhabitants were all con- 
federates, and some of their cavahy had been there during 



42 CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 

the day. One of tlie ladies in a defiant manner told a regi- 
mental commander he would find his match on the morrow — 
that Sherman had lately been defeated with great loss, and 
that victory had now turned in their favor ; a fair specimen 
of stories which were ever being reported and did much to 
keep up the spirits of the confederates. 

The next day, 26th, Bertram's brigade moved to D'Olieve's 
creek over a hilly road, the confederate cavalry hanging along 
their front all the way. The bridge over the creek had been 
destroyed, and both banks at the ford were thickly planted 
with torpedoes, and in attempting to cross, the explosions 
fatally wounded three men and killed four horses ; fifty torpe- 
does were there taken up the next day. Being now in the 
vicinity of Spanish fort, the brigade camped on the creek ; 
Benton's division of the Thirteenth corps being in sight on 
the right. There were indications of the presence of confed- 
erate infantry, a few of whom were captured by Bertram's 
brigade. During the day its scouts had captured a confed- 
erate telegraph station with the latest despatches. 

Granger, with Veatch's and Benton's divisions — the former 
in the advance — after getting two miles from Deer Pa,rk, 
turned to the left on a road running northwesterly, and struck 
D'Olieve's creek about noon a mile to the right of Bertram. 
The banks were here high and somewhat steep, but the stream 
was not wide, and a bridge was soon made, over which the 
column passed. Ascending the hill on the north bank, the 
column soon moved down its opposite side, where was another 
stream, which was bridged and crossed ; and after rising the 
high ground beyond, both divisions went into camp, Veatch's 
in front and in Hne of battle. The train and rear-guard were 
not all in till nine in the evening. 

The Twenty-first Iowa, Lieut.-Col. Van Anda commanding, 
had been in the advance all day ; and the skirmishers from 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 43 

that regiment, imder Maj. Boardman, with those from the 
Ninetj-ninth Tlh'nois, Col. A. C. Matthews, had been warmly 
engaged at dift'erent times. Granger rode along the line at 
dusk, and thinking the pickets not far enough out, ordered an 
advance. The skirmishers with theu' reserves then moved for- 
ward half a mile up a gradual rise in the pine timber ; and 
the leaves and underbrush having been fired by the confed- 
erates, the hght gave the latter a full view of what was com- 
ing ; whereupon they rose up, gave a heavy volley of musketry, 
but soon fell back. The fire was promptly returned, and Gran- 
ger, being in the advance, narrowly escaped ; for it was dark, 
and he was a few moments between the fire of his own 
reserves and that of the confederates. In the Twenty-first 
Iowa, Private Allen was killed, and three men were wounded. 
In the Ninety-ninth Illinois, Private Eobinson was killed. At 
midnight both regiments were reheved by the Forty-seventh 
Indiana, and One Hundred and Sixty-first New York. 

Leaving Spanish fort three miles on its left, the Sixteenth 
corps marched on a direct route to C. Sibley's mill. Gan'ard's 
division had the advance, and at the head of the column, the 
Tenth Kansas, Lieut.-Col. HOls, and four companies of the 
Sixth Minnesota, under Major H. S. Bailey, were deployed as 
skirmishers. Sharp firing commenced as soon as the head of 
the column had moved a mile, and continued all the way. 
there being a detention of two hours. But no serious resistance 
was met till the bridge at Sibley's mill was reached, which was 
finally crossed, and the corps went into camp on high ground, 
a mUe north of Bayou Minette, on which Sibley's mill is 
situated, the distance marched being ten miles. Of the con- 
federates who were killed, three were buried near the bridge,, 
and there were some wounded. The Sixth Mhmesota lost twc 
men captured, and the Tenth Kansas two wounded. The sec- 
ond Tennessee (federal) cavahy had two men wounded. 



44 CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 

. Plans and Position of the Confederates. — At this time the 
confederate department commander was Lieut.-Gen. Eicliard 
Taylor, headquarters at Meredian, Mississippi ; Maj.-Gen. D. 
H. Maury was in command of the district of the gulf, with 
headquarters at Mobile. 

The garrison of Mobile, including troops on eastern shore, 
numbered about nine thousand.^ There were, on the 27th of 
March, also upward of a thousand blacks subject to the orders 
of the engineer. Lieut.-Gen. Taylor telegraphed Lee that he 
was ready to receive any attack that might be made there.^ 
Maury's command also embraced the garrisons on the eastern 
shore, where the senior officer was Brig.-Gen. Lidell. The 
latter's headquarters had been at a cottage on the Blakely road, 
about a mile outside of the fortifications at Blakely, his troops 
being camped on the high ground in an open pine forest a Kttle 
further to the front. These forces comprised French's division, 
then commanded by Brig.-Gen. Cockrell, including the brigades 
of Col. Gates and Col. Barry ; the brigades of Brig, -Gens. J. T. 
Holtzclaw and E. L. Gibson ; Ector's Texas brigade, then com- 
manded by Col. Andrews, and Gen. Thomas' Alabama re- 
serves — the whole effective infantry numbering about six thou- 
sand. There were also three hundred cavalry, and inside the 
works several batteries. All of these troops, except the reserves, 
and perhaps the cavaby, were veterans from Hood's army. 



1 Lieut.-Gen. Taylor to Maury: " iliarc7^ 24, 1865. — Should the enemy give 
Mobile the ' go by,' and march on Selma or Montgomery, it may become 
necessary suddenly to throw six or seven thousand infantry up the river from 
Mobile, to assist the cavahy." 

2 Taylor to Lee : " March 27. — Enemy has thrown his large force to eastern 
side of Mobile bay, leaving nothing on west side. I am ready to receive any 
attack he may make at Mobile." 

Taylor to Maury : " March 25. — ^If Steele is marching to Montgomery, you 
ought, by concentrating, be able to whip the force approaching the Spanish 
fort." 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 45 

Holtzclaw's brigade was still farther to tlie front, on outpost 
duty at O. Sibley's mill (four miles noi-tli of C, Siblej^'s), where 
were some breastworks and a few light guns. In the road were 
a number of torpedoes. 

On the 23d, while Col. Spence with cavalry was scouting 
toward Fish river, an infantry suppoii; under Col. Bush Jones 
of Alabama, was at Hollywood. On the 24th, Gen, Gibson with 
a column of infantry and artillery had moved down to the 
"village," eight miles below Spanish fort, and there halted. 
The same evening, Bertram's brigade having pushed forward 
resolutely to Montrose, three miles from the A'illage, and 
Canby's other columns being on the move, Gibson faced 
about and took position on the hill north of D'Olieve's creek, 
and there remained on the 25th. Gen. Cockrell with his 
division was now (the 25th) posted four miles northeast of 
Gibson at Alexis spring, being three miles south of C. Sib- 
ley's mill. Capt. Tutt was ordered to withdraw from Green- 
wood to Sibley's mill and scout on the road to Durant's. Col. 
Spence was skii-mishing in front of Bertram's brigade which 
he took for a division,' and was instructed by Lidell, if pressed 
across D'OKeve's creek, to return by Alexis spring and the 
Sibley road. That forenoon Lidell was at Spanish fort; and 
thinking that Granger's corps only was approaching, and 
judging from the bad roads that the divisions would be sepa- 
rated, had concluded to offer battle the next morning on the 
north bank of D'OKeve's creek, where the ground is high and 
hilly; and this was approved by the generals under him. 
Gibson with two brigades was to form on the right, Cock- 
rell with three brigades on the left, and Holtzclaw being 

1 Qen. Lilell to Col. Spenve, "commanding near village ;" " BlaJcehf, March 
25. — I will be iit D'Olieve's ford early to-morrow, say by seven o'clock. Can 
you ascertain how far this division is in advance of the main body of the army ? 
Can we attack it before support can come to it ?" 



46 CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 

held in the rear would, as soon as the engagement com- 
menced, move round and strike the federals on their right 
flank. And they estimated that their effective force of in- 
fantry would be about six thousand. 

Gibson already occupied the proposed line, having, the after- 
noon of the 25th, three thousand in hne of battle. That 
evening, LideU learned that the Sixteenth corps was also 
advancing with the Thirteenth, and so fast that he feared he 
would not be able to get the rest of his forces concentrated 
in season. He appeared to have been active day and night 
ehciting information and making the best possible use of his 
troops.^ The next morning, finding his position was being 
flanked by the Sixteenth corps, the proposed offer of battle 

1 Capt. Lewis to Gen. HoUzclaw : " Blalcely, March 26. — The Brig.-G-en. com- 
manding directs that you push forward your work as much as possible in cut- 
ting down the timber in front of your position. ..... The enemy are in force 

on the D'Olieve and Blakely road, in front of Spanish fort, and their fleet mass- 
ing off Hollywood and Montrose. Please send at once what information you 
get from your scouts." 

Lidell to Gibson : " March 26. — Some of our cavalry are cut off between 
Spanish fort and Bay Minette. The enemy are advancing by Sibley's mills ; if 
they come by you keep them at Spanish fort." 

Lidell to Maury : " Blakely, March 25, 9:20 p. m. — Our views fully coincide ; 
unless able to concentrate, shall not risk engagement in detail. Will return to 
front by seven a. m. to-morrow, and soon afterwards hope to meet you at Span- 
ish fort ; please not to fail to come. Enemy's advance division, live to six 
thousand, headed by five hundred cavalry — ^no ordnance or ambulance wagons. 
Gen. Gibson's scouts saw enemy's column, and captured the prisoner (drafts- 
man) sent over. A map in his possession embraced the eastern shore only to 
Blakely — showing the design of enemy to get possession of this side." 

Lidell to Maury: " Hd. Qrs., near {0.) Sibley's, March 26, 12:30 p. m.— Tour 
despatch received while engaged placing troops in position at this place. The 
enemy is at Cyrus Sibley's miU, and halted just now. He made too wide a cir- 
cuit for me to concentrate the command on him. Gen. Gibson was at D'Olieve 
creek, and another column was reported moving in that direction. I have not 
heard from Gen. Gibson since reaching this point. C. Sibley's miU is four miles 
distant." 

Same to Gibson: " 3Iarch 26 {Sibley's). — Enemy stopped four miles from this 
point. What is in your front ?" 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 47 

outside of the works was abandoned. The troops that be- 
longed at Blakelj were ordered to retne in that direction. 
Cocki'ell withdi'ew over the Bay Minette bridge, burned it, 
and passing round near Blakely, moved out on the Sibley 
road to watch the Sixteenth corps. Gibson was ordered to 
fall back into Spanish fort ; but to develop the attacking 
army before doing so ; which we shall see was in a gallant 
manner done. 



CHAPTER Til. 

SPAXISH FORT— ITS EsTESTMEXT. 

The line of field fortifications known as Sx^anisli fort is on tlie 
bay sliore, seven miles due east of Mobile. The trayeller leay- 
ing the Montgomeiy raihoad, and proceeding by steamer from 
Tensas to Mobile, in a few minutes comes in sight of Blakelv. 
Passing on, he Trill, in half an hour, discern off to his left, and 
beyond some low, marshy islands, a dealing, on the wooded 
shore, and a high, red bluff. This latter is the site of Spanish 
fort. 

Old Spanish fort is a bastioned work, nearly enclosed, and 
built on a bluff whose shape projects abruptly to the water. Its 
parapet, on the bay side, was partly natural, being made by 
excavating the earth from the side of the bluff, and was thirty 
feet in thickness. The fort was armed with YH-iiich colum- 
biads and thirty-pounder Parrotts — the latter made at Selma — 
and was designated as No. 1. Extending around that, ia 
a semicircle, was a continuous line of breastworks and re- 
doubts. The right of this line commenced four hundred yards 
down the shore, on the highest and most prominent bluff, up- 
ward of one hinidi'ed feet above the water, with a strong, 
enclosed fort, called McDermett (No. 2), and armed with ten 
heavy guns. The slope of the bluff, toward the bay, is precipi- 
tous, and from its base to the water is a marsh two hundred 
yards wide, on which the timber had been felled. To the north 
and left the descent was gradual, along which extended a line of 
lifle-pits, crossmg a ravine and stream of water, and then up the 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 49 

slope of another bluff, on wbicli was a strong batteiy, designated 
as No. 3. From there the line of works continued six hundred 
yards in a northerly direction, and then tui-ned towaixl the bay, 
striking the marsh on Bay Minette at a point about a mile 
above old Spanish fort. This outer line of works was upward of 
two miles in length, and the batteries were all on high and com- 
manding ground. The surface was covered with open pine 
timber, but in front of the outer line of works the trees were 
felled for a few hundred yards. Every ravine had borne a 
hea^-y gTOwth of hard wood, which, having been slashed, made, 
■^\Tith the underbrush and vines, an almost impassable obstruc- 
tion. The ditch in front of the breastworks was five feet deep 
and eight feet wide, but in front of Fort McDermett it was 
deeper and wider. In fi'ont of the batteries were, also, detached 
rifle-pits, for shai'pshooters ; and along the enth'e fi'ont was a 
line of abatis fifteen feet wide. On the extreme left the works 
were unfinished. 

Toward the interior the surface continued undulating and 
wooded ; but no spot was so commanding as the bare crest of 
McDermett. 

The reader vnR bear in mind that these fortifications were 
made to cover and protect the island batteries Huger and Tracy, 
which were three thousand yards distant. 

Attach on the Federal Picl^eis. — At daylight, on the morning 
of the 27th, a detachment of four hundred confederate infantry, 
imder command of Col. Eichard Lindsay, carefully moved down 
within musket-range of Veatch's picket, fired a volley, and, 
"«-ith a yell, charged between the flanks of the Forty-seventh 
Indiana and One Hundred and Sixt3'-first New York. The 
right of the latter regiment was driven back in some confu- 
sion towards the main, line, but shortly regained its position. 
The confederates got near enough to see the strong fi'ont of 
Veatch's division, which was quickly in line behind theii' newly- 

4 



50 CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 

made breastworks, but were soon compelled to retire. Tlie 
firing was brisk for a few minutes, and tlie confederates lost 
one officer and several men wounded, ^ Tlie loss of the Forty- 
seventh Indiana was three men wounded. 

Investment of Spanish Fort. — Gen. Carr learned, late on the 
evening of the 26th, that the Sixteenth corps would, turn back 
in the morning against Spanish fort ; and knowing it would 
be his turn in the advance, he gave the requisite instructions 
to his brigade commanders. The morning of the 27th came 
with a prospect of heavy rain, which to veteran soldiers was 
some sign of a battle. The men had taken their accustomed 
breakfast, of hard-bread, coffee, and a shce of bacon, toasted 
on a stick — as Achilles cooked the fat chine at the feast for 
the heroes. The usual hum of talk and speculation was heard 
around the exphing fires of then* bivouac. By the men in 
the ranks all plans of strategy are freely canvassed ; and up 
to this morning they had expected to move on to the Alabama 
]iver. Soon was heard the spirited roll on the drum to "fall 
in," greeted by that habitual and never-to-be-forgotten shout 
or cheer of the men. Then the cartridge-box, with its " forty 
rounds" is buckled on ; the blanket is twisted up and thrown 
around the shoulders ; the intrenching tools are picked up ; 
the muskets taken ; each company is formed, the roll called, 
and at the time fixed, whether in ten or fifteen minutes, the 
regiments are in hne. 

Leaving Garrard's division at Sibley's mill. Smith put the 
First and Thhd divisions of his corps in motion. Carr's (Third) 
division had the advance, with Geddes' (Thhd) brigade ui ad- 



1 Gibson to Lidell : " Spanish Fort, Marcli 27, 7:35 a. m. — Droye in the 
enemy's skirmisliers at daylight, capturing guns, knapsacks, and blankets. 
They ran back to their log works, and appeared in a strong and extended line 
of battle. We had several men wounded. Several launches discovered sound- 
ing in the cove below. The guns will drive them aAvay." 



II 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 51 

vance of tlie division ; and at the Lead of tlie column was the 
Eightj-first Illinois, numbering three hundi-ed, five companies 
of which, under Col. A. W. Rogers, were deployed as sldr- 
oiishers, with the other five companies, under Capt. S. L. Camp- 
bell, in reserve. In these woods were numerous trails which 
had been made in hauling lumber to the neighboring mills, 
and the guns being silent at Spanish fort, the column had to 
find its way as best it could. 

SJdrmish at Minette Bridge. — Carr had gone four miles, and 
his advance, the Eighty-first Illinois, had just passed the brow 
of the hill overlooking Minette bayou, where the day before the 
bridge had been burned, when suddenly a volley came from a 
confederate regiment, concealed in the bushes, four hundred 
yards distant, on the opposite side. This was the Twenty-first 
Alabama, Lieut.-Col. James M. Williams, having two hundred 
and twenty-five men. Gen. Smith narrowly escaped, and some 
shots took effect in the Eighty-first. Col. Rogers returned the 
fire smartly, and was ordered by General Smith to remain 
there with his regiment and hold that position. 

The One Hundred and Twenty-fourth Elinois, Col. John H. 
Howe commanding, then took the advance, with five of his 
companies deployed as skirmishers. 

When within about a mile of Spanish fort, Gen. Smith 
caused both divisions to deploy in line of battle, and it was his 
purpose, of course, to have his movements concealed from the 
enemy. 

Carr's division, on the right, had formed in two lines ; the 
first consisting of the Third (Geddes') brigade, the One Hun- 
dred and Eighth Illinois on the right, the Eighth Iowa on the 
left, the One Himdred and Twenty-fourth Illinois deployed as 
skirmishers in front. The second line, consisting of the First 
(Moore's) and the Second (Ward's) brigades; Moore's having 
the Thirty-third Wisconsin on the right, the Seventy-second 



52 CAMPAIGN OP MOBILE. 

Illinois in the centre, the Ninety-fifth niinois on the left, and 
the Forty-fourth Missouri in reserve ; and Ward's, having the 
Fourteenth Wisconsin on the right, the Forty-ninth Missouri 
in the centre, the Fortieth Missouri on the left. The latter 
brigade had wheeled into line on the double-quick, and had 
been a few minutes in position, when the corps commander 
rode along with a stern countenance. At sight of their "chief," 
the men of the Forty-ninth Missouri gave a cheer which could 
be heard in the confederate lines. Thus foiled ia his efforts to 
conceal the position, he rebuked the men in a few hasty words. 
In half a minute a shell from the confederate works came 
screeching through the trees, and dropped close to the men 
who had cheered. It did not burst as it fell, and the men gave 
back a little. Seeing this, Smith cried out to them : " Stand up 
to it ! Tou had no business cheering." 

Carr's centre and the light batteries approached by the 
Blakely road. Sharp skirmishing commenced about ten, A. M., 
when within a mile of Spanish fort. The confederate sharp- 
shooters were in advance of their rifle-pits, using the hills and 
trees for cover. 

At this hour, McArthur's division was in. line on the left of 
Carr ; and connecting with the left of tlie Sixteenth corps, 
Granger had come up with the Thirteenth corps ; so that the 
investment was nearly complete. The troops advanced with 
alacrity, their banners all unfurled. Their line was three miles 
in length, and presented a splendid appearance moving through 
the open woods. Sharp skirmishing was constant along the 
whole front. The confederates, apprehending an assault, also 
kept up a vehement shelling with their heavy and light gims. 
And there was aU the clamor and stir of battle. 

The confederates had the advantage of being on the defensive, 
and being concealed, while the federals had the disadvantage of 
exposure, in pressing forward against the fire of sharpshooters. 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 63 

and over the obstacles on tlie ground ; but, at tlie same time, 
tliej bad the moral advantage there is in the prestige and mo- 
mentum of constantly gaining gi'ound. 

Up to noon no federal artillery had opened, but the light bat- 
teries of each division -were near by in the hollows. A httle 
after noon, Carr caused the Fourteenth Indiana light battery, 
Capt. F. W. Morse, to open from a ridge about eight hundred 
yards fi'om Eed fort, and near the position after^vard occu- 
pied by the naval battery. Capt. Morse's fii-e "^as rephed to 
with spirit dui'ing the afternoon, and many shots fell close, but 
no injury was sustained. Soon afterward, the Fh-st Indiana 
light battery, Capt. L. Jacoby, opened from a prominent posi- 
tion, a little to the left and front of the Fourteenth. Both bat- 
teries were supported by Moore's brigade. 

It was now toward the middle of the afternoon. The rain 
was coming down in a steady pour, and the fierceness of the 
artniery fii'e had abated. 

Carr, expecting to be ordered to assault, and feeHng confident 
the works could be carried in his front, exerted himself to keep 
his lines compact. 

The One Hundred and Twenty-fourth Illinois had pressed on 
fearlessly, gaining distance of half a mile in advance of its bri- 
gade, when the confederate skirmishers were met and, after a 
warm contest, driven precipitously into their works. Five of 
that regiment fell, including its adjutant, Lieut. W. E. Smith, 
and the color-sergeant. On the extreme right was the One 
Hundred and Eighth niinois, Col. Charles Turner, which sus- 
tained a loss of six. Its skii'mishers were commanded by Capt. 
W. M. Bullock, a daring and efiicient officer, who fell, vrith his 
thigh badly shattered by a musket-ball ; but he refused to allow 
any of the men to expose themselves in helping him away, and 
dr-agged liimself to the rear. The Eighth Iowa, distinguished 
for disciphne and gallantry, Lieut.-Col. Bell commanding, was 



54 CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 

next on tlie left, and had tliii'teen men wounded by musketry, 
and of tliis number six were non-commissioned officers. 

Next on the left, in Moore's brigade, was the Thirty-thhd 
Wisconsin, which sustained a loss of six wounded, including 
Maj. George R. Franli:. The loss in the Seventy-second Illi- 
nois was two, and in the Ninety-iifth Ilhnois four. In Ward's 
brigade there was a loss of one man in each regiment. So that 
the whole casualties in Carr's division were thii'ty-nine. The 
confederates in his front had been driven into their main works, 
and his line was established six hundred yards on an average 
therefi-om. The ensuing night the division busily intrenched. 

The advance along the left had conformed to the right and 
with nearly similar re'sults. 

3IcArtlmr's Division, Sixteenth Corps. — McArthur's division 
came squarely up opposite the Eed fort, and began to encounter 
a stubborn resistance from the confederates at ten in the morn- 
ing, nearly a mile from that work. The ground was weU con- 
tested ; but before noon the confederates had been pressed back 
behind their main works ; the main line of the division had got 
within about twelve hundred yards of those works ; a halt was 
ordered and the men made to lie down. Meantime, the skirmish- 
ers of the division had pushed their way some hundreds of yards 
farther. In the First (McMillen's) brigade on the right the casu- 
alties were one iii the Thu-ty-thii-d ULinois, three in the Tenth 
Minnesota, two in the Twenty-sixth Indiana, and one in the Sev- 
enty-second Ohio. The Second (Hubbard's) brigade was in the 
centre, and suffered the most. The Eighth Wisconsin (Lieut.- 
Col. W. B. Britton), on the right had three killed and twenty- 
seven wounded. In the Eleventh Missouri (Col. E. Bowyer), the 
casualties were twelve ; Ninth Minnesota (Col. J. H. Marsh), 
two; Fifth Miimesota (Lieut. -CoL W. B. Gere), six; Forty- 
seventh minois (Lieut.-Col. Bonham), two, including Capt. 
Ryan. The Third (Marshall's) brigade was on the left, the 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 55 

Thirty-third Missouri (CoL W. H. Heath) being on the right. 
Next was the Thirty-fifth Iowa (Lieut.-Col. W. B, Keeler), which 
lost two ; then the Twelfth Iowa (Maj. Samuel G. Knee), which 
lost five wounded, and on the extreme left was the Seventh Min- 
nesota (Lieut.-Col. Geo. Bradley). In this regiment Lieut. Fol- 
som was sHghtly wounded by a piece of shell from one of the 
gvms of the di^dsion, and Private McFadden was killed while 
lying on the gTound skirmishing. The right of the Thirteenth 
corps over-lapj)ed three regiments of Marshall's brigade, and at 
dusk they were ployed in column of regiments in the rear, leav- 
ing him only the front of one regiment. His skirmishers had 
eagerly pushed then- way into the fallen trees and brush in the 
advance, and Corporal Fry of the Twelfth Iowa had got so far 
that he was taken for a confederate and received a severe woimd 
in the foot, from some one in the rear. 

The Second Iowa battery (Capt. J. R. Reed), with four twelve- 
pounder Napoleons opened fire on Red fort, one thousand yards 
distant ; and the Third Indiana battery of Rodman gims (Capt. 
T. J. Ginn), from a prominent point on the left. 

In the Thirteenth coiys, Yeatch's division having bivouacked 
in the front, had been workhig most of the night intrench- 
ing, had been in line of battle at three in the morning, and 
the men were not feeling very fresh when they moved out 
at seven. But they were ready for a fight, and the behef 
prevailed that they were going to take Spanish fort by assault. 
Yeatch deployed when he had proceeded a mile with Slack's 
brigade on the right, the Third brigade, Lieut.-Col. Kinsey 
commanding, on the left, and Dennis' in reserve. 

Benton's division, moving at nine, came up on the right 
in three columns of regiments deployed, connecting with the 
Sixteenth corps. 

Bertram's brigade of Second division was sent round to 
the right of the Thirteenth corps, but was soon afterward 



56 CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 

ordered back, and taking the road round by Wadswortli's 
returned to its former position, and then closed up on the 
left. 

In the Third brigade (Benton's division), commanded by Col. 
Conrad Krez of the Twenty-seventh Wisconsin, the Seventy- 
seventh Ohio had been detailed to guard the train and had 
moved to the rear, so that the brigade front consisted of the 
Twenty-seventh Wisconsin and the Thirty-third Iowa, with 
the Twenty-eighth Wisconsin in reserve. These regiments 
were at first employed to support the Twenty-sixth New York 
battery, and afterward formed on the right of the corps ; but 
met Avith no loss during the day. 

Day's brigade of Benton's di^dsion, being in the centre, 
came up opposite old Spanish fort, the guns of which had 
good range through a large ravine. The Ninety-first Illinois 
was in the advance of that brigade with skirmishers deployed, 
and subjected the confederates to some loss in forcing them 
back over the fallen trees to their breastworks. When the 
hne halted, about nine hundred yards from those works, a 
portion of the skirmish line was relieved by Capt. Dutton's 
company of the Seventh Vermont wiio had four men sHghtly 
wounded ; and there was one other wounded in the same 
regiment. During the afternoon, Grier's brigade furnished a 
detail to construct temporary works for the Twenty-first New 
York battery, which had taken position on a prominent spur 
near the right of that brigade. At dark, the Ninety-first Illinois 
and Twenty-ninth Iowa began intrenching, a Httle in advance 
of the line occupied during the day, and the Fiftieth Indiana 
and Seventh Vermont took position two hundred yards in 
the rear. 

Col. D. P. Grier's brigade of the same division, after deploy- 
ing, threw out the Ninety-sixth Ohio, Lieut.-Col. Brown, as 
skirmishers, and moving on, opposite Fort McDermett, passed 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 57 

tbrongli the riglit of Yeatcli's division where the men were 
intrenching and soon saw the confederate skirmishers approach- 
ing over the brow of a hill in advance ; but meeting a well- 
directed fii'e from the Ninety-sixth Ohio they hastily retreated 
to their works responding with only a few shots. The Ninety- 
sixth then pushed forward about a hundred yards farther. This 
opened the way for the Seventh Massachusetts light battery, 
Capt. Storer, to come up on a rise of ground seven hundi-ed 
a,nd fifty yards from McDermett, and in rear of which Grier's 
brigade constructed a cover. The Seventh Massachusetts bat- 
tery was engaged for three hours. 

All along the hne the regimental colors were planted in the 
ground, and afforded a mark for the confederate gams. 

In the Twenty-ninth Wisconsin, Slack's brigade of Yeatch's 
di^dsion, the private Joel Norton, acting as color bearer, was 
killed by a piece of shell, and a skirmisher of that regiment 
was wounded. Veatch's whole loss during the day was two 
killed and sixteen wounded. 

On the extreme left, and next to the bay, was Bertram's 
brigade, squarely in fi'ont of Fort McDermett, and the approach 
was difficult, on accoimt of the obstnictions of slashings. The 
Nineteenth Iowa, Lieut.-Col. John Bruce commanding, was in 
the advance. T\"ith skirmishers deployed, that regiment crossed 
an open field and coming into clear range of the guns of Mc- 
Dermett, pushed forward stiU farther into the fallen trees, but 
was greeted "^dth a severe fire of artillery. The Nineteenth 
Iowa then hastily threw up some logs and earth for protection. 
Foust's battery (F, First Missouri) of steel guns, came up 
meantime, and soon, with its skilful fire, silenced the guns in 
McDermett. Several of the Nineteenth had been severely 
wounded and there was now some pause in filing on tliis 
part of the line. Meantime, the other regiments of the brigade, 
Twentieth Wisconsin, Twenty-third Iowa, and Ninety-fourth Eli- 



58 CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 

nois, came up, and Granger also came on the ground. Another 
aidvance was soon ordered. The Twentieth "Wisconsin, Lieut.- 
CoL Starr, had formed on the right of the Nineteenth Iowa, 
and both regiments pushed forward over the slashed trees, but 
could not move fast. The confederates from the fort, and their 
advanced rifle-pits, were on the watch, and when they had gained 
about two hundred yards opened fiercely on them with mus- 
ketry and artillery. To this fire they replied with spirit, and 
Foust's unerring guns in the rear were doing execution at every 
shot. In close musketry range of McDermett, both regiments 
began to construct rifle-pits, and pickets were posted on the 
farther side of a ravine which extended on the right nearly up 
to the road ; their post being close to rifle-pits from which the 
confederates had been driven. In the Nineteenth Iowa, Cor- 
porals Geo. Major and Wm. Holhday, and Private Montgomery, 
were killed, and Corporal Fish of the color guard, and Corporals 
Loyle and Smith, and ten privates, were wounded. Capt. Stone 
of the Twentieth Wisconsin, a gallant ofl&cer and gentleman, was 
mortally wounded. 

Ey dusk, the general Hne of the Thirteenth corps was estab- 
Hshed from eight hundred to one thousand yards from the 
main works of the confederates, and after dark large details 
were set at work intrenching ; and along the whole line the 
spade, the pick, and the axe, were busily employed. 

During the day. Granger with a staff-officer rode along the 
line of skirmishers, attracting a fire which struck down the 
orderly bearing the corps colors. 

The number of killed and wounded in the Sixteenth corps 
were ninety-one ; in the Thirteenth something less. According 
to the report telegraphed to Mobile, the confederates sustained 
a loss of only nine killed and thirty wounded. The garrison 
had been expecting an assault, and were saving the most of 
their fire for such an emergency. At four in the afternoon, Gen. 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 59 

Gibson reported : " Enemy seem to be attacking here in earnest, 
and has opened on every part of the hne, with musketry and 
Hght artillery."^ Canby, however, did not intend to assaiilt 
bhndly ; nor wonkl there have been much gained in ]3oiut of 
time, for the army woukl have had to wait a few days for sup- 
pHes before moving farther. He accompanied the troops in 
the movement and estabhshed his headquarters on the main 
road, near "Wilson's, two miles from Spanish fort. 

1 Gibson to Lidell : " March 21, 5:30 p. m. — We require more tools. Will send 
off horses and mules by first boat to-night. Enemy has established himself in 
heavy force from the extreme left to the right, has heavy batteries along his 
whole line. The works are not complete on the left." 



CHAPTER YIII, 

SIEGE OF SPANISH FORT— SECOND DAT. 

March 28. — The garrison of Spanisli fort comprised about 
four thousand. Col. Patton had command of the artillery which 
was also armed with rifle muskets, and did duty in the pits ; 
Gibson's brigade was in the centre ; and the Alabama reserves — 
principally youths, under General Thomas, were on the left. 
And there were batteries under skilful artillerists distributed 
at the forts on the entire line. 

The garrison now saw they were to be regularly besieged by 
a large force, but were determined to hold out as long as they 
could without imreasonable sacrifice, and were inspired with 
the pride and satisfaction of holding at bay a powerful and 
finely-equipped army. 

In the morning the pubHc animals were shipped off, and 
reney/ed efforts made for additional tools. On the extreme 
left the defences were not finished, and these had been 
worked upon through the night, and were being continued. 
On that part of the line, on the preceding day, a party 
of blacks had been at work behind the skirmishers felling 
trees for an abatis in front of the main works ; but ran 
in before the skirmishers, and having got too '*' demoralized" 
to be useful in the garrison, were sent to Fort Huger. 

The work went on actively in completing platforms for the 
guns, making revetments for the breastworks and embrasures, 
and bomb-proof quarters for officers and men. These latter 
were along close to the main works. But more of this neces- 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 61 

sary "work could have been done if tliere had been a larger 
supply of tools. ^ 

The besiegers, as well as the garrison, were experienced in 
sucli operations, and then' practice on the late march had 
given them fresh facihty in constructing earthworks. The red 
lines of earth — which wiU there remain for years to come — 
began to appear astonishingly quick ; and they were, indeed, 
needed as a barrier against the subtle Minie-balls of the 
garrison sharpshooters, who, to use a phrase that was soon 
current along the line, " shot to kill." 

In the rear, the pioneer companies of each division, with 
details, were making gabions and fascines, levying heavily on 
the forest for its withes and poles. The abundance of pine-trees, 
many of which had been felled to imjDede them, largely assisted 
the men in making then bomb-proof quarters, and the revet- 
ments for batteries. 

There had been occasional shots during the night ; but when 
day broke, the crack of the musket grew vehement, and the ar- 
tillery opened with spirit on both sides. The garrison, the day 

1 Gibson to Liclell: " March 28. — The enemy attempted to advance his lines 
at sunset, but was wholly unsuccessful. He is persistent in his attempt to gain 
all the groimd he can, and fails at every point. I am compelled to extend my 
Unes on the left. I lost five (5) men killed and thirty-four (34) wounded to-day. 
I atti-ibute the loss to the want of tools to throw up skirmish-pits and traverses. 
I have an immense deal of digging to do, as the enemy are erecting heavy 
batteries on the right and left, which enfilade the lines. Three (3) of his gun- 
boats ran on the bar, fired at the fort about simset ; all but one retired after a 
few rounds. We all think that the one that remained was smik. I cannot say 
certainly, but I think so." 

Liclell to Col. Garner {Chief of Staff) : " BlaMy, 3Icn-ch 28 Gen, 

Gibson telegraphs that his force cannot be reduced, and should only be relieved. 
Enemy pressing him in heavy force at all points. His casualties are less than 
yesterday. I despatched him, boat would be sent for reserves to-night. He 
reports present strength at three thousand foiir hundred. I send two Yankee 
prisoners, who belong to Gilbert's division, at Sibley's mill. There are not 
enough boats here for the work they have to do, and they never have enough 
wood. Please send me more at once." 



62 CAXPAIGS OF MOBILE. 

and Tiighf preceding. Lad made an opemag in the timber to the 
shore of Minette bay, to aSbrd an enSlading range on the li^t 
flflTiV of the Sixteenth corps, from the hearr gnns of Fort Hnger. 
situated on the maish twenty-fire hraidred yards distant on the 
left and rear of the garrison. The fire from these gnns ap- 
peared effectire at first, but one of the shot haring struck 
inside the garrison, it was ordered to cease. 

Sixteenth. Corps. — ^The Fourteenth Tndiana (Horse's) light bat- 
tery — Carr's dirision — had. on the erening of the 27th, advanced 
to a prominent and exposed position, where a mortar battery of 
the First TndiaTia heaTT artillery afteaward came in, five hun- 
dred and fifty yards from Bed fort. The Fourteenth, aided by 
details of infentry. Lad worked all night throwing up works ; but 
the earth on that ridge was rery hard, and by morning only a 
few logs were rolled together with scarcely enough earth to 
cover theuL In pursuance of orders, however, Capt Morse 
opened fire at daylight, and was speedily answered by PhiHips 
Tennessee and Lxmisden's Alabama light batteries, in his front, 
which concentrated their jfire on him. Morse continued firing 
tin ten o'clock, when he ceased, so as to give the pioneers oppor- 
tunity to strengthen the work, and while this was in progress 
the work was penetrated by a shell, which exploded, kiTliTig one 
man and fatally wounding another. The other light guns on 
the left, in the front of both corps, were also engaged, but much 
exposed ; yet batteri^ for them were in progress. 

In the morning, an examination of the gronnd off from Carr's 
right, and along the eastern shore of Minette bay, showed that 
a battery conld be placed on the bluff that would have a plung- 
ing fire on Huger. A "Whitworth and a steel rifle were put in 
position there, which drew the fire that had been renewed of 
Huger from the right flank of the Sixteenth corps, and also 
moved farther up the river a confederate gunboat, which had 
also been hurling at A. J. Smith's command large and demoral- 
izing projectiles. 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 63 

Tlie nature of tlie ground was sucli tliat on the extreme right 
of Smith's corps the One Hundred and Eighth Illinois — Geddes' 
brigade of Carr's di^dsion — was able to commence a parallel on 
a ridge two hundred yards distant from the confederate works ; 
and which, when finished, bent round to within one hundred and 
twenty yards of the confederate works. Toward the left the 
distance widened, the parallel commenced by the Eighth Iowa 
and One Hundred and Twenty-fourth Illinois being a Httle over 
three hundred yards distant. Next in Moore's brigade the first 
line was three hundred and fifty yards distant, and in Ward's 
brigade five hundred. By daylight Moore's brigade had its first 
parallel opened, and some cover thrown up for the skirmish line 
one hundred and fifty yards in advance. The loss during the 
day in Geddes' brigade was two wounded in the One Hundred 
and Eighth Illinois ; two — one dangerously — in the One Hundred 
and Twenty-fourth lUinois ; in the Eighth Iowa, David Sterrett, 
Company K, was killed, and Mandres, Company I, and Herz- 
berger, Company G, wounded. In Moore's brigade, four were 
wounded in the Thirty-thu-d "Wisconsia, one in the Seventy-sec- 
ond Illinois, and foiir — one dangerously — ia the Ninety-fifth 
Illinois. In Ward's brigade, four — one dangerously — were 
wounded in the Fourteenth Wisconsin, five — two dangerously — 
in the Fortieth Missouri. Also, among the wounded was Lieut. 
Joseph H. Mitchell, Company A, Forty-ninth Missouri. 

The preceding night, in the front of the Fortieth Missouri two 
colored men deserted from the garrison, and coming toward the 
picket of the Fortieth, were ordered to halt. One got frightened 
and ran, but the sentinel quickly fired, and he fell. The other 
came safely in, and the woundod one was sent to the hospital. 

In McArthur's division the casualties were : in McMUlen's bri- 
gade, two wounded in the Thirty-third lUinois ; in Hubbard's 
brigade, one wounded in the Ninth Minnesota ; in Marshall's 
brigade, two wounded in the Thirty-third Missouri, one in the 



64 CAMPAIGN OP MOBILE. 

Twelfth Iowa, and Corporal Dreauler of tlie Seventh Minnesota. 
Company D, Capt. Norman Buck, of the latter regiment was on 
the skirmish line, and occupied ground three hundred and fifty- 
yards from the confederate works. 

The Thirteentli Corps. — In Krez's brigade, Benton's division, 
four companies from different regiments, under Captain James 
Gunn, Twenty-seventh Wisconsin, were sent out in dayhght to 
relieve sku'mishers of the Second (Day's) brigade who were in 
Krez's front. These companies had to cross a ravine containing 
a labyrinth of slashings, and which was commanded by the guns 
of McDermett and the sharpshooters posted in its front. But 
heedless of danger they made their way to the front as fast as 
possible, which could not be rapid even for sure-footed and 
athletic men ; drove some of the confederate skirmishers out of 
their pits, and pushed on to within two hundred yards or 
thereabouts, of the confederate battery No. 3 ; but losing 
heavily. The detail from the Thirty-third Iowa had eight 
wounded, one mortally, and four dangerously; and among the 
wounded from that regiment were Capts. William S. Parmlee 
and George E. Ledyard." The Twenty-eighth Wisconsin lost 
one killed. Private Samuel D. Hogg, Company B, and six 
wounded, and the Twenty-seventh Wisconsin four wounded. 
So dangerous was it to retire or advance there in the daytime 
that some who were to be relieved preferred to remain in their 
pits in the front. 

In Day's (Second) brigade. Company D, Capt. Geo. E. Croft, 
Seventh Yermont, had been on the skirmish line during the 
night and having pushed forward pretty close to the confederate 
works, was able to bring back valuable information concemiug 
them. The skirmish line in front of Day's brigade was on the 
rise of ground before Battery No. 3, before mentioned, and so 
exposed to a rakiug fire of light guns that the men were in 
constant peril ; for they were not yet well covered by works, 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. QS 

and had to seek shelter behind logs to some extent, rendering 
their line ii'regular. 

At three in the morning, the Twenty-ninth Iowa — a regiment 
of splendid material and discipline to match — was reheved in 
the front, where it had been digging all night, by the Fiftieth 
Indiana — a regiment of the same distinguished merit, withdi'ew 
a few hundred yards to the rear, but not out of range, " and 
got something to eat, the first fornearly thirty-six houi-s," and 
then soon returned and resumed the labors of the trenches, 

Grier's (First) brigade was at work in the position taken the 
preceding evening. 

In Veatch's division next on the left, Dennis' (Second) brigade 
was in the front, the skirmishers being engaged with but little 
intermission, and the fatigue parties exposed to considerable 
shelling. 

Atlach on Captain Noble's Worhing Party. — At dusk, Capt. 
J. L. Noble, of the Twenty-first Iowa, Slack's brigade, with one 
hundred men of the Twenty-first armed, and a detail of three 
hundred men from other regiments without arms, a strange 
oversight, went to the front to work on a battery. The detail 
crawled along cautiously to the place designated, and com- 
menced Work. Capt. Noble put out pickets in his fi'ont with 
instructions to report to him every five minutes. Soon the 
garrison sharpshooters heard the noise of the tools and com- 
menced an unpleasant fire. The party kept at their work, and 
it seems that some of the detail had stuck theii- guns with 
the bayonets on into the ground. About midnight, in the 
midst of a heavy rainstorm, they were surprised and attacked, 
the confederates having approached slyly to within a very few 
yards of the work before being discovered. It was even doubt- 
ful for a few moments which side would get possession of the 
guns that were stuck in the ground. For a few minutes the 
combat was hand to hand. Capt. Noble caUed upon his men 

5 



66 CAMPAIGN OP MOBILE. 

to stand by him, wliicli tliey did, with spirit, and kept their 
assailants out of the work. Many of the unarmed men ran 
back to camp, and some reported that Capt. Koble and his little 
band were captured. But Capt. Noble said they were mistaken, 
though he admitted that "at different times the rebs. were 
apparently standing guard over him." In about an hour Gen. 
Slack came out with his brigade to his relief, and the tide of 
the combat speedily turned. Capt. Noble had one man killed 
and five wounded, and a ball came so near himseK as to burn 
his hair. He afterward learned from a confederate sergeant 
that the regiment that made the attack lost seven killed and 
fourteen wounded. 

The attack was general on the skirmishers of Grranger's left 
at the same time, but no ground was anywhere lost. 

In Bertram's brigade, the Nineteenth Iowa was relieved in 
the morning by the Ninety-fourth Illinois, Col. John McNulta, 
which continued the work in the rifle-pits, and also sent three 
companies, under Capt. McFarland, to the front to support the 
Twenty-third Iowa. 

Operations of the Navy. — The fleet, under Acting Rear-Ad- 
miral H. K. Thatcher, having several of the vessels that had 
gained renown under Farragut at Fort Morgan, had kept pace 
with the army up to the 26th. But Canby was disappointed 
in the expectation, that it might move up close to Spanish fort 
and complete the investment on the water side. Could this 
have been done the hours of Spanish fort would have been 
brief. But the shallow water on Blakely bar, the elaborate 
obstructions, and the torpedoes, prevented. 

Tlie confederates first caught sight of a portion of the fleet 
about five o'clock on the afternoon of the 26th, when it was 
off the mouth of D'Olieve's creek. 

On the 28th, the fleet was lying off Howard's wharf. The 
pendant of the senior officer was flying from the Stockdale. 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 67 

At midday the Octorara, Lieut.-Com. W. W. Low, and the 
river ironclad monitors, Milwaukie, Lieut.-Com. J. H. Gillis, 
the Kickapoo, Lieut.-Com. Jones, the Winnebago, Lieut.-Com. 
Kii"kland, and the Chickasaw, got under weigh from the anchor- 
age of the squadron and steamed for the bar of Blakely river. 
The ironclads passed successfully over the bar. But the Oc- 
torara took the ground on the ridge of the bar in eight feet of 
water. The tide had commenced falling ; and at three o'clock, 
a tube having burst in her starboard boiler, further efforts to 
force her over ceased for the day. And, though she ulti- 
mately gained distinction, it seemed necessary that she should 
yield to that fate which rules in war, and often interposes a 
trivial accident to prevent unmixed success. The Winnebago 
and Milwaukie had Ead's turrets, admitting of an elevation 
to the guns of twenty degrees, and were permitted to advance. 
A trial shell was fired from the Winnebago when she was at 
the first rest, which showed she was much beyond the range 
of her guns from Sj)anish fort. 

Shiking of the Milivauhie. — Both steamers continued up the 
Blakely river, to within about a mile and a half of Fort McDer- 
mett, and, with their Xl-inch guns, threw some shells at a 
transport, supposed to be carrying suppHes to the garrison, and 
compelled her to move up the river. Some shots were directed 
at Spanish fort, which were thought by the besiegers to have 
done good execution ; and when the first shell came screeching 
up the bay, there was immense cheering all along their line. 
They then returned to anchor. The Milwaukie, dropping with 
the current, her bow headed up stream, had got -wdtliin two 
hundred yards of the Kickapoo, then at anchor, and was where 
boats had previously swept for torpedoes, and where it was sup- 
posed there could be no danger from them. Just then a shock 
was felt on board, and it was known at once that a torpedo had 
exploded on her port side, abaft the after turret, and about forty 



68 CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 

feet from the stern. The first object of the commander, after 
realizing the impossibility of saving the vessel, was to save the 
crew, which was happily done. There was some confusion at 
first, for the hatches were closed, and but thi-ee were provided 
with levers to open them from below ; but a single command re- 
stored order, and all came on deck in a quiet, orderly manner. 
The stem sank in about three minutes, but the forward com- 
partments did not fill for nearly an hour afterward, giving the 
crew an opportunity of saving most of their effects. Lieut.- 
Com. GiUis saw every man off the vessel, and sent them to the 
Kickapoo. He then reported to the flagship, and obtained per- 
mission to proceed to Pensacola, to get divers and a steam- 
pump to aid in fetching up his guus.^ Col. McNulta's men, of 
the Ninety-fourth Illinois, up in front of McDermett, looked on 
the Milwaukie from the rifle-pits, after the accident, and said 
that her flag was still waving, and that her men, standing in 
water, were firing effective shots from her turret -guns. And the 
officers of the garrison strained their eyes to see whether she 
had sunk or not. - 



1 Lieut. Gillis' Report, March 30, 1865. 

2 " Skirmislimg and artillery lire open lively on both sides as soon as light 
enough for good practice. Battery Huger opens on the enemy's right with 
good effect, but is stopped on account of an accidental shot having fallen in 
oiu: lines. 

" Fire on both sides abates toward midday. Opens again, very lively, about 
three, p. m. The enemy's line is well established along our entire front, and, 
as usual, the work seems to progress very rapidly at all points ; oui's, but 
moderately. Two monitors open fire on Spanish fort about five, p. m., but their 
shots fall a Httle short. They are answered by Spanish fort, and one suddenly 
ceases. Heavy fighting on our left toward dark. The enemy attempted to ad- 
vance his pickets without success. Large fleet lying off Blakely bar." — Diary 
of a Gonfederate Officer. 



CHAPTER IX. 

SIEGE OF SPANISH FORT— THIRD DAT. 

March 29 — Operations of the Navy. — Those wlio merely con- 
sider tlae brilliant results of military or naval operations know 
little of tlie tugging toil whicli generally attends their achieve- 
ment. An example of this toil was seen in the experience of 
the fleet. 

The Octorara (as also the Metacomet) was a side-wheel 
steam-gunboat of the style familiarly called " double-ender," 
having bow and stern constructed ahke, of draught of from 
eight to ten feet of water, and fore-and-aft schooner-rigged. 
She carried two IX-inch guns, two thirty-two-pounders, and 
four twenty-four-pounder howitzers, as broadside, and one one- 
hundred-pounder Parrott rifle, and one IX-inch smooth-bore as 
pivots ; with gun crews for the larger guns of seventeen men 
each. Her disabled boiler had been repaired, and she had 
been considerably lightened by shifting sand-bags, shot, and 
shell, and four heavy guns — weighing each nine thousand six 
hundred pounds — on board tugs — the gaff of a tug being used 
as a derrick. And at noon, the 29th, with the assistance of two 
tugs, she passed over the Blakely bar, and anchored inside. 
The same evening the hundred-pounder Parrott was taken on 
board and mounted, and some shot and sheU. received from the 
tugs. But she did not open fire till the next day. 

Heavy details from the squadron in boats had been industri- 
ously sweeping the channel with chains for torpedoes, and 
many had been brought up. 



70 CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 

SinJdng of the Osage. — At two, p. m., of the 29tli, the ironclad 
Osage, Lieut.-Com. Wm. M. Gamble, was lying at anchor inside 
of Blakely bar in company with four other vessels. A strong 
breeze was blowing from the eastward, and the Winnebago had 
dragged close alongside. To avoid collision the Osage weighed 
anchor, moved off to a safe distance on her starboard i30W, was 
stopped by her commander in two fathoms water, and hands 
ordered ready to let go the anchor. Almost immediately a 
torpedo exploded under the bow, and the Osage commenced 
fiUing and sinking rapidly. But search below for the killed and 
wounded was speedily made by executive officer Garrison with 
some men, and two killed and five wounded were passed up. 
Five were killed and twelve wounded. The Osage almost imme- 
diately filled. Her position had been thoroughly dragged by 
boats ; and it was supposed the torpedo which struck her was 
drifting. 

Position of the Confederate Artillery. — Twenty-one batteries 
had been sent down from Hood's (or Johnston's) army to help 
defend Mobile. Some of these had lost, and some had worn 
out their guns and material in resisting Sherman. Many of the 
companies had served from the commencement of the war, and 
had left dead comrades on more than a dozen great battle-fields, 
and now they were in conflict again with men, whom, in more 
hopeful days, they had met at Shiloh and Yicksburgh. 

Of these organizations the principal one was the Twenty- 
second regiment Louisiana artillery, commanded by Col. Isaac 
Patton, a native of Yirginia, and a graduate of West Poiut. He 
had command of the artillery at Spanish fort and Forts Huger 
and Tracy, and the latter forts were garrisoned mainly by com- 
panies from his regiment. 

Forts Huger and Tracy were a thousand yards apart, built on 
the marsh, with piles driven for foundation ; were from one to two 
miles above Spanish fort, and about the same distance from the 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 71 

main shore. As lias been before remarked, tliey were designed 
to command Blakely river ; and it was an opinion expressed by 
Beam-egard tliat they should be made self-sustaining, and that 
no garrisons should be maintained on the main shore. Fort 
Huger was a work with four bastions, but open at the north end, 
was garrisoned by companies B and K of the Twenty-second 
Louisiana and Company C, First Mississippi Hght artillery, 
Capt. Collins — total, two hundred effective, and commanded by 
Maj. Washington Marks, of the Twenty-second Louisiana. It 
was armed with eleven guns ; namely, one "VXEI-inch double- 
banded gun in the northeast bastion, one VIx%-inch Brooks 
rifle, and one X-inch mortar on east face ; one VH-inch rifle at 
southeast bastion ; one X-inch double-banded smooth-bore on 
south face ; one Yll-inch rifle on southwest bastion ; one 
Yl/y-inch Brooks rifle on west face ; two twelve-pounder howit- 
zers. Ju the centre was a bomb-proof, twenty-five feet high, on 
which were mounted on pintels two splendid X-inch colum- 
biads, smooth-bore, having, of course, a wide range. 

Fort Tracy was an enclosed bastioned work, garrisoned by 
Comjjanies I, H, and G, of the Twenty-second Louisiana — one 
hundred and twenty men, under the immediate command of 
Capt. A. A. Patsmier, Company I of that regiment, and armed 
with five TTI-inch rifle guns. 

It was supposed these forts would be assaulted by men landed 
from boats and launches, and the garrisons were exercising much 
vigilance to be ready to repulse them. 

Old Spanish fort, sometimes denominated the Water-battery, 
was garrisoned by Companies A, D, and F, of the Twenty- 
second Louisiana, and well armed with Yll-inch columbiads 
and thirty-pounder PaiTotts — five in all. 

Fort McDermett was under the immediate command of Capt. 
Samuel Barnes, Company C, Twenty-second Louisiana, and the 
artillery was manned by his own and Owen's Arkansas battery — 



72 CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 

effective of botli companies, ninety-one ; but it was reinforced 
on the following day by Massenbery's Georgia light artillery, 
one Imndred and ten effective. It had, at first, fifteen guns ; six 
six-pounder smooth-bore ; two twenty -four-pounder howitzers ; 
six cohorn mortars ; and one Yl^-inch Brooks rifle, mounted 
on centre-pintel, and having a range of three quarters of the cir- 
cle of the besiegers' works. 

Its south bastion was a lunette of strong profile, a command 
of twenty-five degrees over ridge and road approaching it, a 
regular covered way with four embrasures, a carefuUy-con- 
structed abatis and chevaux-de-frise, and many torpedoes made 
with twelve-pounder shell. With the exception of old Spanish 
fort, which, from its position, was unassailable, this south bas- 
tion was decidedly the strongest and most carefully fortified 
fort of the garrison works. 

Captain C. H. Slocum had command of the other batteries 
on the left. His quarters were at the redoubt No. 3, where was 
also his company — the fifth of the Washington artillery — ninety 
effective, composed of the best class of young men of New Or- 
leans. During the war Slocum 's battery had marched six 
thousand miles. This redoubt (No. 3) was armed with eight 
pieces : one Ylll-inch columbiad, two Napoleons, one Ill-inch 
rifle, and four cohorn mortars. 

At Eedoubt No, 4 was PhiUips' Tennessee battery, sixty effec- 
tive, with two Napoleons, one twelve-pounder howitzer, and two 
cohorn mortars. Next, on the left of Eedoubt No. 5, was Lums- 
den's Tuscaloosa (Alabama) battery, with four six-pounders, 
and three cohorn mortars. 

The whole number of gtms, including mortars, in all the 
works, the first days of the siege, was fifty-seven. 

Operations along the Lines. — The firing on both sides this day 
seems to have increased in severity. It made Gen. A. J. Smith 
move his headquarters a little to the rear. The garrison ex- 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 73 

pendecl not less tlian tliirty-six thousand rounds of musket am- 
munition, and its ot^ti loss was reported to be thirty killed, and 
one hundred and nineteen wounded. ^ It now commenced the 
use of steel screens in the embrasures. 

On the left of the besiegers Bertram's brigade had advanced 
some distance farther than the division on the right, leaving its 
right flank exposed. At seven in the afternoon, seven companies 
of the Twenty-ninth Illinois (third brigade of Veatch's divis- 
ion), under Maj. E. P. Curtis, went out to the front to open a 
line of works connecting with Bertram's right. They had but 
fairly begun digging when a superior number of the garrison 
made a sally on them, under cover of the darkness, rushing 
boldly and impetuously up to the trenches as if sure of success. 
A similar attack was made at the same time in Bertram's ad- 
vance, but the working parties repulsed the attack, and resumed 
their work. About the same time the Eighth Illinois, Dennis' 
brigade, had one man killed and three wounded while working 
on a battery. 

Adventure on tJie SMrmish Line. — In Day's brigade, Benton's 
division, Capt. L. K. Myers, Twenty-ninth Iowa, had the pre- 
ceding evening been detailed as brigade officer of the day in 
the trenches. He had four companies, and was required to ad- 
vance and dig rifle-pits within one hundred yards of the con- 
federate works — then occupied by Gibson's Louisiana brigade, 
Col. Campbell commanding; the men halving one day's rations 
and one hundred rounds of ammunition each. Soon after 
nightfall, with Lieut. Stocker and six or seven men, he went 

■^ Gnpt. Lewis to Col. Garner : " Blakely, Mar. 29. — G-en. Gibson reports the 
following casualties : thirty killed, one hundred and nineteen wounded." 

A soldier of the Sixty-second Alabama (Col. Huger's regiment), writing from 
Spanish fort, March 29, to the Mobile Register, says : " Fortnnatelj'^ we are so 
situated our casualties are but few." He states that in his regiment up to 
date one commissioned officer and foiir men had been killed, and twenty-four 
wounded. 



74 CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 

forward to ascertain how close lie was to tlie confederate works, 
and was fired on by one of tlieir sentinels when within five or 
six steps from him. Capt. Mjers and party dropped down, and 
quite a nnmber of shots were fired over them. He whispered 
orders for each man to crawl back singly, and then crawled back 
himself. Each one was heard and fired at while thus retreating, 
but none hit. 

Capt. Myers' detail was at work through the night digging 
their line of rifle-pits, only fifty yards distant fi-om the advance 
rifle-pits of the confederates and were being fired on by the 
latter, continually. The captain had repeatedly j^assed along 
the line of his four companies during the night, and toward 
morning, thinking they were safely intrenched, had started back 
to the main line of the brigade to report his situation, when he 
met a Heutenant of his own regiment with seven men bringing 
out ammunition for a company (C), that had come with less than 
the requhed supply. The men bringing it had carelessly been 
sent without arms. He turned back to conduct them to the line 
and came to a pit — for the pits were detached — ^next to the one 
where the ammunition was to go, and a " sentinel" pointed him 
the way. In passing along the line at night he had been gTuded 
by a lone tree standing where Company C was stationed ; but 
approaching from the front it was hid, being between him and 
the high ground in front, and there being another tree more to 
the right, he followed that and came out unexpectedly on the 
confederate lines. His adventure was told as follows : 

" I had ordered the heutenant and seven men to keep in 
single file, behind me, and make but Kttle noise in passing 
through the brush and fallen timber. As I approached I said : 
* Boys, I am coming back again.' A voice answered, ' Come 
on.' A few stejos more brought me face to face with a reb. in 
gray, with sword at his side, and at his left about twelve men 
(butternut clothing) with arms at a ready. As I halted, my men 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 75 

closed up to my riglit, placing us all witliin tliree or four steps 
of the rebs. We all saw at once wliere we were. I was wearing 
a red sasli, belt, and revolver ; and my men all unarmed. The 
rebel officer looked me close in the face, and said : ' Do you 
know where you are — do you belong to us ?' I answered ' Of 
course we belong to you, ain't you confederate soldiers ?' He 
answered ' Yes.' 

" I asked, ' What regitoent ?' 

"He answered, 'Forty-second.' 
• " I said, ' We are bringing out ammunition, and wish to pass 
down the line with it, if you will direct us the way to the nest 
post.' 

""He asked, 'What regiment?' but I began to ask several 
other questions and each time set in before he finished, by 
making remarks such as, ' We heard so much firing during the 
night, thought you might be scarce Of ammunition — were sent 
out with a supply, wish to pass down the hue if you will direct 
us to the nest post.' He said, ' We will show you the way, it is 
not far ;' and turning to his men, said, ' Boys, all of you, come 
along.' I said, ' Yery well,' and turning to my men said, ' Come 
on, boys.' 

" I had feared that some of my boys would run and the 
rest of us be fired on, but they all stood quiet, trusting me 
to manage affairs. I knew the reb. knew what we were, and 
was afraid to order us to surrender ; perhaps wanted to first 
double his force at the nest post. I wanted to get on the 
move, and give the word to my men to run. We had only 
gone a few steps when one of the rebs. nest the officer said, 
' Hold on, these are not our men !' I said, ' You are certainly 
mistaken ;' and while trying to satisfy him, the officer became 
too much alarmed to stand it any longer. He sang out, ' Ee- 
treat,' turned and ran, and his men broke and ran ; most of 
them discharging thek guns at me before running. The balls 



76 CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 

passed close on both sides of me. I called out, ' Fire on tliem, 
bojs, fire on them !' Did this to hurry them in their retreat. 
I also drew my revolver and fired four shots. By this time 
my men had got started back. I turned to follow them, and 
was about to run on to their (confederate) advance sentinel, 
who was squatting down in the brush, and raised and fired, 
when I was within two or three feet of the muzzle of his gun, 
hit me in the right hip, the ball hitting the bone, glancing 
round, and coming out about five inches from where it went 
in. I fell beside him, and as he turned to run, I gave him the 
two remaining shots from my revolver ; he fell within a few 
steps of me and lay quiet. I lay there a few minutes, and 
the rebs.,. from their breastworks some fifty yards distant, poured 
a heavy fire into the brush. I could see day breaking fast, and 
knew they could soon see me. So I began to crawl off. Could 
not stand on my wounded leg. Soon came to one of my boys, 
who had been with me and was lost in the brush. While he 
and I were cautiously making ourselves known to each other, 
two of our Company C boys, in their rifle-pits, raised their 
guns to fire at me, but their lieutenant (Stocker, one of my 
messmates) knew my voice, and told them not to fire. They 
then called me by name, ' Capt. Myers,' and the rebs., following 
up behind me, called, ' Come this way, Capt. Myers, come right 
this way.' Lieut. Stocker ordered a few shots fired at them, 
which stopped their hallooing, and I came into the rifle-pits 
with Lieut. Stocker, related my adventure, examined my wound, 
and was assisted back to my regiment. 

" The man of my squad who carried the box of one thousand 
cartridges, threw it down before retreating, and the rebs., next 
day, were afraid to touch it, and would call out to our men 
in the rifle-pits to come and get that infernal-machine. When 
the fort was taken, my colonel sent and got the box. The rebs. 
would also call out, ' How is Capt. Myers ?' Our men would 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 77 

reply, ' He is not dangerous,' and then inquire about the officer 
who ran from unarmed men." 

/Sixteenth Corps. — In McArthur's division, Marshall's brigade 
continued to furnish large details on a battery for the Tliird 
Indiana light guns, and that brigade and Hubbard's had begun 
an approach from then' main line. The casualties were hght, 
not exceeding one or two in each regiment. 

In Carr's division approaches were being dug, to connect 
Moore's first and second line — the Ninety-fifth Illinois, Col. 
Blanding, being at work on the left, and the Thirty-third Wis- 
conshi upon the one on the right. All the works were progress- 
ing fast. The sharpshooters were able to silence the guns in 
their front, and the casualties of the division were light. ^ 

1 * Wednesday, March 29. — Operations commenced very lively on both 
sides. Casualties on om.-s severer than heretofore. I made a careful inspection 
of both lines. Estimate the enemy's line of circumvaUation at one thousand to 
twelve hundred yards distant — his skirmishers vary from two hundred and fifty 
to three hundred yards distant. Eight batteries established against us ; but 
oui" artillery stiU seems to be superior, and generally silences theirs whenever 
we try to do so. Our line as yet umujured. The monitor that engaged Span- 
ish fort yesterday seems to be sunk on Blakely bar. Commenced to use steel- 
wrought iron screens in our embrasures, for protecting artillerists, and find 
them of general service. The usual work of repairs, and making splinter- 
proofs, traverses, and passage-ways, carried on ; also, work on treadway pushed 
ahead. A lively skirmish takes place on our right, about midnight, resulting 
from some false alarm on one side or the other." — Diary of a Gonfed&i-ate 
Officer. 



CHAPTER X. 

SIEGE OF SPANISH FORT— FOURTH DAT. 

March 30. — The fourtli day was devoted chiefly to work in the 
trenches on the part of the besiegers. The pits had been dug 
hastily, and were narrow ; in many places the sides were not 
well sloped but abrupt, so that a heavy storm would crumble 
them in. Orders were given to have them rectified, and widened 
to six feet. This was undertaken, but retarded for want of 
tools. The heavy siege guns were now on their way up the bay, 
and several batteries were also commenced for ijhem. Foust's 
light battery of steel guns, on the extreme left, had done excel- 
lent service ; and his ammunition being exhausted — ^but not his 
zeal — ^he withdrew, and gave place to four Ill-inch rifle-guns, , 
of Storer's Seventh Massachusetts, which were moved from the 
right of Yeatch's division — the section of twelve-pounders of the 
latter battery, under Lieut. Benson, remaining in their original 
position. 

Four light guns, of Trull's Fourth Massachusetts battery, 
were on Yeatch's left, and only four hundred and fifty yards 
from Fort McDermett — so near, indeed, that the men could hear 
the music of a brass band inside that fort. These guns were 
doing some good service. The other section of the battery, 
under Lieut. Briggs, had been sent to the extreme left, to fire on 
the garrison's transports coming to the wharf. 

Up to this time the besiegers had in use nine light bat- 
teries. 

During this day a shell from Fort McDermett exploded in 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 79 

the camp of tlie Twenty-ninth Illinois, killing four men and 
wounding nine others, all of Company A. 

At three in the afternoon Yeatch's division was withdrawn in 
order to proceed with a supply train to meet Gen. Steele ; and 
his front was occupied by Marshall's brigade of the Sixteenth 
corps. The whole loss in Veatch's division had been nine 
killed and forty-one wounded. 

In Day's brigade, Benton's division, the Twenty-ninth Iowa 
was detached to the rear on picket duty. 

In Carr's division a part of Moore's brigade front was severe- 
ly enfiladed by gims off to his right, and which he could not 
reach ; probably Lumsden's Tuscaloosa battery. The part of 
Moore's front which was most exposed to this fire was occupied 
by two companies of the Thirty-third Wisconsin : Company C, 
Capt. WiUiam "Were, Company K, Capt. A. H. Fitch. These 
officers, with their companies, without flinching, held their 
position under a raking fire. The regiment had eleven wound- 
ed, six severely. But the guns that inflicted this injury were 
afterward sUenced by a Eodman gun of the First Indiana Hght 
battery which, at night, was placed in a masked position in 
front of the first parallel of Moore's brigade. 

The casualties in the tw^ divisions during the • day were five 
killed and twenty-six wounded. 

On the extreme left the Louisianians, at about one in the 
morning, made another attack on Bertram's brigade front then 
occupied by the Ninety-fourth Illinois, Col. McNulta. The 
Nineteenth Iowa came up promptly to the assistance of the 
Ninety-fourth, and the saUy party was driven back before ap- 
proaching nearer than fifty yards, leaving nine dead which 
were buried by the Ninety-fourth. The loss of the Nineteenth 
and Ninety-fourth was three wounded. 

TJie Navy. — ^During the afternoon the Octorara opened with 
effect with her one hundred-pounder Parrott on Spanish fort, 
at a distance of five thousand seven hundred yards. 



80 CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 

The Garrison. — The commanding officer of the district, 
Maj.-Gen. D. H. Maurj, visited the garrison, examined the 
Hnes and conckided to reheve Thomas' reserves with Holtz- 
claw's Alabama brigade, i In the evening Lidell sent two 
regiments of Cockrell's division to O. Sibley's to reheve Holtz- 
claw. The latter called in his pickets, and about midnight 
his brigade was wending its way over Saluda hiU and down 
the Pensacola road to Blakely landing, where it embarked on 
the steamers Mary and Ked Gauntlet for Spanish fort. 

The casualties a,t Spanish fort, on the 30th, were reported to 
be six kiUed and forty wounded. But it is probable the lists 
of casualties could not always be accurate. Once the Nine- 
teenth Iowa, on the extreme left of the besiegers, in extending 
their approach, dug into a confederate rifle pit where they found 
two or three confederates who had fallen at their posts some 
time previously, and been left unburied by their comrades. 
The garrison during the day advanced the work on the tread- 
way over the marsh to Fort Huger.- 

1 Lidell to G^ibson : ''Blakel^/, March 30. — Gen. Maury has again ordered me 
to relieve the reserve brigade. I send Holtzclaw's brigade to relieve them, 
and you must have the reserves ready to be placed on the boat as soon as 
Holtzclaw arrive's. This must be done undei* cover of darkness without fail." 

2 " TJmrsday, March 30. — Enemy very quiet all day. But one piece of artil- 
lery fired along the entire hue, and but little sharpshooting. The line is visited 
and examined by the major-general commanding. A monitor opens in the even- 
ing on our hospital boat. Picket lines of two forces not more than fifty paces 
apart in several places. Our treadway to Huger nearly finished. Enemy opens 
a Parrott battery across Bay Minette on Batteries Huger and Tracy, and on 
boats attempting to land at those points, thus stopping our steamboat commu- 
nication with these points to-day." — Diary of a Confederate Officer. 



' CHAPTER XI. 

SIEGE OF SPANISH FORT— FIFTH DAT. 

March. 31. — Details from Carr's division had constructed a 
sunken battery on the sliore of Bay Minette near the Whit- 
wortli and the steel gun abeady in position. Eight thirty- 
pounder Parrotts, of Battery H, First Indiana heavy artiUery, 
Capt. W. P. Wimmer, and Battery K, Oapt. Cox, had been 
placed there the night before, and in the morning opened on 
some u'onclads and transports which were lying with steam up 
near Forts Huger and Tracy. Two side-wheelers and a trans- 
port were in a few minutes compelled to move up stream ; but 
the fourth vessel was of the turtle-back description, and though 
repeatedly hit by solid shot remained under fire until evening. 
About one, p. M., a transport attempted to pass down to the fort, 
but was driven back. The forts were continually signalling, and 
twdce in the following night a transport attempted to run down 
to them, but was driven back each time. Fort Huger answered 
the fire of these thirty-pounders briskly, but they sustained no 
injuiy. 

Capt. W. H. Blankenship, of the Fn-st Indiana heavy artillery, 
with his battery (B), eight YIH-inch mortars, had arrived at 
Stark's wharf the night of the 28th, and, by working aU night in 
the heavy rain, got his battery on the top of the hill. The 29th, 
he moved out near Gen. A. J. Smith's headquarters. The 30th, 
the battery was divided, forty men and four mortars, under 
Lieut. Baper, being sent to the extreme left ; with fifty men and 
the other four mortars he proceeded to Carr's division ; and at 

6 



82 CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 

three, A. M., of the 31st, had the mortars in position on a knoll in 
rear of the left of Geddes' brigade (Battery No. 18\ nine hun- 
dred jai'ds fi-oni Eed fort, bnt only six hnndi-ed from the main 
works of the garrison in his immediate fifont. He commenced 
firing at eight o'clock, and fired tliii'ty-eight roimds. 

In Granger's fi-ont, Capt. Bongh (Battery C, Fii-st Indiana) 
got his "\T;iI-inch ho-^itzers in position on the brow of a hill 
eight luiuih'od yards fi'om McDermett, and delivered an accu- 
rate fii*e. There was a brisk engagement of the batteries on 
both sides all along the line, 

Morse's Fourteenth Imliana light battery, at Carr's left, 
tlioiigh its works had been strengthened, was much annoyed 
by Sloeum's columbiad, from which shells (weighing over fifty 
pounds') had been coming with tlieii" dismal flutter and with 
ilisagreeable precision. About ten, A. M., one of these shells 
struck a limber of the Foiu'teenth battery, and, igniting the 
contents (eighty pounds of powder\, blew it in pieces, killing 
one man, seriously wounding two, and slightly wounding several 
others. During the day, another man of the battery was dan- 
gerously woimded by a Minie-ball. 

The First and Thii'd Indiana and Second Iowa Hght batteries 
were also actively engaged in the Sixteenth corps' front, and 
suffering but little. 

In the Thii-teenth coi-ps, the chief engineer. Col. PaKi'ey — son 
of the historian — designated the siege gTms to be put in posi- 
tion, with orders that twelve large rifle guns shoiild be placed 
to give a reverse and enfilade fire on the left of the garrison's 
line, in fi-ont of the Sixteenth corps. Capt. Tan Lieuw and 
Capt. Morton, of the Ninety-seventli United States colored in- 
fantry, were assigned to duty with the corps as assistant-engi- 
neei-s. The Seventh Vermont veteran infantry and the Thii-ty- 
fifth Wisconsin infantry, of Benton's division, were assigned to 
special duty on siege-works, were divided into fom- rehefs, to 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 83 

work eiglit hours each in succession ; and the two officers 
named above, with Capt. H. G. Palfrey, Ninety-eighth United 
States colored infantry, with the assistant-engineer of the di- 
vision, in whose front the work lay, formed a roster, one being 
on duty with each detail in succession. 

On the right of the Tliirteenth corps, the Twenty-first and 
Twenty-sixth New York light batteries maintained the battle 
against large projectiles well, and were the theme of praise 
among the infantry regiments around them. In the Twenty- 
first, Privates John Wilson and John Daley had been killed, and 
Private George A. White wounded — the first casualty on the 
27th, the two last on the 29th. On Granger's left, the four light 
guns of Trull's Fourth Massachusetts battery were withdrawn, 
to give place to Mack's (Black-horse battery) eighteen-pounders. 
In Bertram's front, two of the Vlll-inch (sixty-four-pounders) 
mortars of Battery B, First Indiana heavy artillery, opened on 
Fort McDermett.i 

A Gallant Exploit. — The hulk of a steamboat, used as quar- 
ters at Fort Huger, having been cut loose to give range to 
guns, floated down and lodged diagonally opposite McDermett, 
and about five hundred yards distant. In a few minutes Lieut. 
Ridnour, acting aide-de-camp, with Sergeant Charles Ashby, 
Company G, and Privates Wm. H. Morgan and A. C. Spreadan, 
of Company A, Louis Eoy, Company B, and Eobert Pratt, 
Company C, of the Ninety-fourth Illinois, paddled out in a 
small skiff to examine it. Some of the squadron, at first sus- 
pectmg them to be from the garrison, commenced shelling them, 
but, by signals, were soon made to cease. The garrison then 



1 Gen. Lldell to Col. Garner : " Blakely, March 31. — Gen. Gibson reports the 
enemy have erected a battery of heavy guns in front of Battery McDermett 
(No. 2). Have fired a sixty-four-pounder. Artillery oflBcers report a Parrott 
battery in front of No. 2. Opened also thirteen guns on Battery No. 4, and 
fired cohorn mortars on the left." 



84 CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 

opened fire on tliem from all the guns bearing in tliat direction, 
and with musketry. But tliey made their way through the 
shower of shot and shells to the object of their trip, coolly 
boarded and examiaed it, returned to their skiff and paddled 
themselves back, but now under cover of the fii-e from the 
squadron. None of them was harmed, though their skiff was 
hit a number of times. And as they came back they were 
greeted by the loud cheers of thousands of their comrades, 
who stood watching them from the bluff. The garrison also 
beheld and admired their gallantry. 

Sortie and Capture of Skirmishers. — On the night of the 30th, 
Capt. E. B. Stearns, Company K, Seventh Vermont, with a part 
of his company, had reheved Capt. Parker's company on the 
skirmish line ia front of the confederate battery No. 3. There 
was a Httle firing during the night, and Capt. Stearns advanced 
his line about twenty-five yards, and dug new pits — though 
there was only one spade found by the detail — which brought 
him in advance of the brigade line of skirmishers. He 
was within one hundi"ed and fifty yards of the works of 
the garrison, and the musket fire by his men was exceed- 
ingly troublesome to their gunners. Soon after noon a 
shot from that vicinity had instantly killed Col. Wm. E. 
Burnett, of Texas, confederate chief of artillery, and a 
valuable officer. He had for a moment taken a rifle in 
his hand, and was in the act of aiming it from behind the 
breastworks through a wooden embrasure. Capt. Barnes in 
Battery McDermett had been giving considerable attention to 
these skirmishers, and they were also subject to a fire from Bed 
fort. Beginning early in the morning Barnes shelled the line 
with a sisi-pounder and a twenty-foui-pounder howitzer for 
three or four houi's, and made some of the men on Stearns' 
left fall back into the ravine. There was now a lull, and the 
skirmishers popped out their heads and did some firing them- 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 85 

selves, for thej were fair marksmen, and had plenty of pluck. 
Barnes then brought out two six-pounders from McDermett, 
placed them on the hill-top, and again fiercely shelled Capt. 
Steams' position. The latter concluded it would be best to fall 
back a short distance as soon as it became dark, and sent Cor- 
poral Crothers to regimental headquarters for instructions. He 
also sent word that he expected to be assaulted before dark, 
asked that the guns over at McDermett be silenced, and the 
works of the garrison in his front be sheUed, so that he could 
fall back under cover of the fire. The severe fire which Capt, 
Stearns was exposed to had already attracted the attention of 
Col. Holbrook, the commanding officer of his regiment. 

Arrangements were made in the garrison for a sortie. Capt. 
Clement Watson of Gen. Gibson's staff volunteered to lead it. 
The rest of the party was to consist of Lieut. A. C. Newton, 
Company E, Fourth Louisiana battalion, and thirty men, fifteen 
of whom were picked. 

At two o'clock in the afternoon, preparatory to the sortie, the 
garrison caused the slashings and brush on the right of Capt. 
Stearns to be fired, and the smoke blew over and in front of 
him. 

Having stood the terrific shelling, he was now most appre- 
hensive of being burned or smoked out, for there were several 
trees near him, and the wind was sending the fire in his direc- 
tion. He gave the order for his men to faU back singly. But 
a hundred bullets came flying at the first man who started, and 
Capt. Steams immediately countermanded the order. During 
the severe shelling a few of his men had retreated from their 
rifle-pits, one of whom. Private Stoors, was wounded. Just be- 
fore sunset the fire had extended along his rear and on his left, 
making so dense a smoke as to entirely seclude him. But the 
guns of the garrison were still bearing on him and now opened 
in a terrific manner. Li less than ten minutes fifteen shells 



86 CAMPAIGN OP MOBILE. 

were exploded inside, and directly over tlie single pit in whicli 
Capt. Stearns and ten of his men were stationed. Still ex- 
pecting an assault lie ordered liis men to fix bayonets. 

It was now sunset. The cannonading ceased. The same 
instant Capt. Watson and party were over the garrison works, 
and, concealed by the smoke, vigorously rushed upon their ex- 
pected prisoners. Capt. Stearns gave the command to fire, 
which was obeyed by a majority of his men. The next moment 
every man had a musket at his head, with a summons to surren- 
der. The demand was compHed with. Capt. Stearns and 
twenty of his men were captured. Without parley and without 
delay, their captors received their arms and hurried them away 
into the garrison. None of the sortie party stopped to occupy 
the pits.^ The prisoners were rapidly taken a roundabout way 
to a position near the water, which appeared to be sheltered 
from the fire of the besiegers by artificial ravines. But no curi- 
osity now inspired them to notice the interior of the garrison. 
They were confident their gallant comrades left behind would, 
before many days, have full possession of everything around 
them ; and the regret that they could not be present to partici- 
pate in the enthusiasm of victory, increased that distress of 
mind which is ever experienced by the patriotic prisoner. 
The prospect before them was dreary. 

Capt. Steams was soon notified that he was to have an inter- 
view with the general commanding the garrison^ and was 
accordingly conducted down into a ravine some sixty or seventy 
feet deep, and about thirty yards wide at the opening. The 

1 Gen. Udell to Col. Garner {Chief of Staff) : " Blahely, March 31.— Gen. Gib- 
son has just telegraphed me the following : ' Capt. Clement S. Watson, of my 
staff, and A. C. Newton, Co. E, Fom-th Louisiana battalion, led a sortie at sun- 
set, and drove the enemy from his advance on battery 3, killed a large number, 
and captm-ed one captain and twenty-one enlisted men. These brave comrades 
deserve the thanks, and have entitled themselves to the admiration, of this 
army.' " 



CAMPAIGN OP MOBILE. 87 

ravine was triangular, witli its base facing nortli. In tlie apex 
were two wall tents, into one of wMcli lie was taken and in- 
troduced to Gen. Gibson, 'ibere were present Capt. Watson 
and the lieutenant wlio accompanied liim. The general invited 
Capt. Stearns to partake of his supper — a frugal repast, con- 
sisting of cold fowl, cold water, with tin table furniture. This in- 
vitation was accepted. It was a compliment which would have 
been paid onlj to a gallant officer. The garrison had the best 
opportunity to judge of the courage and fortitude of their pris- 
oners, and the general was generous in acknowledging the 
tenacity and courage with which, under a most severe fire, 
they held to their position ; and the intelligence and address 
of both the captors and prisoners seems to have excited mutual 
respect. 

After Capt. Stearns' interview with the general, and he had 
withdrawn from his tent, he had some conversation with j)ersons 
of lower rank, fi'om whom he learned that they had " lost heart" 
in the success of the Confederacy.^ 

The casualties of the garrison on the 31st were reported to be 
six killed and twenty-six wounded. 

1 " Headquarters Fobces, Spanish Fort, 
" March 31, 1865. 
" The commanding officer desires to make known to tlie troops his admirar 
tion of their unsurpassed valor and endurance, and his entire confidence in 
their ability to defend this outpost of the defences of Mobile. 

" Thousands of your countrymen with anxious hearts turn toward you. 
" Continue to prove yourselves worthy of their confidence, and of the cause 
which it is your privilege to defend. 

" Resolve to do your whole duty, every hour of each coming day, and with 
the blessing of Heaven we shall continue to achieve those successes which so 
far have crowned your eflforts. 

"Randall Lee Gibson, 

" Brigadier Qeneral." 
" Heavy firing aroimd Spanish fort all day. Col. Burnett, chief of artillery 
to the mojor-general commanding, killed. Picket line of the enemy in front of 
our line on right centre dislodged and twenty-one prisoners captured with no 



CHAPTEE XII. 

SIEGE OF SPANISH FORT— SIXTH DAT. 

There was a feeling of despondency in Mobile, but it was not 
mucli shown. Some meetings were held to create a martial 
feelmg among tlie citizens ; the few ablebodied men who re- 
mained in the city were armed, did occasional duty as patrols 
or guards, and were expected if a crisis required to go into the 
trenches. Orders were pubhshed for the removal of the slaves 
out of the city. The people cooked and sent over provisions to 
the garrison, bestowed every attention upon the wounded, and 
manifested a devotion well calculated tO) keep up the resolution 
of their defenders. The daily newspapers were prohibited from 
publishiag details of the operations and casualties, and confined 
what they pubhshed to general statements. " The enemy," 
they confessed "is strong, reliant, and ingenious." Yet they 
claimed that their defensive works were iasurmountable. " But 
better," they argued, "than aU these safeguards is the valor of 
our soldiers." 

Owing to restrictions on the press only a few of the many 
letters written from the garrison were pubhshed. One corre- 
spondent said that his shoulder was lame from shooting — that 
he " he shot under a log which the boys called ' skull crackers.' " 
Another soldier correspondent, in not so good humor, wrote 

loss on our side. A very large work commenced in front of our left. No 
material advance since yesterday in the enemy's approaches. Enemy opens 
upon my engineer force on the marsh, and causes temporary discontinuance of 
work on tread way," — Diary of a Gonftdefrale Officer. 



CAMPAiaN OP MOBILE. 89 

tliat there was an immense fleet in tlie bay; tliat tlie vessels 
contained the families of the Yankee officers impatient to oc- 
cupy the fine houses in Mobile, and appropriate to themselves 
the furniture and costly wares. 

The Garrison {April 1). — la compliance with special orders 
coffee and sugar were issued for the benefit of the wounded. 
It appears that the ordinary army rations issued to the garri- 
son were meal and a poor article of bacon. 

The brigade of Brig.-Gen. J. T, Holtzclaw, having reheved 
the Alabama reserves, was now in position on the left centre 
of the garrison. 

This brigade had seen much hard fighting during the war ; 
and its last important battle had been Nashville. 

It was composed of the following organizations, aU of Ala- 
bama troops : Fifty-eighth and Thirty-second, consoHdated ; 
the Thirty-sixth, Col. T. H. Hemden ; the Eighteenth, Col. P. 
F. Hunley — Holtzclaw's old regiment, which had helped to 
capture the Eighth Iowa at Shiloh ; the Twenty-first, Col. J. 
Williams, which had been badly cut up at Shiloh, then sent to 
Mobile, where it afterward remained; and the Thirty-eighth, 
commanded by Capt. Bussy, the colonel and major being pris- 
oners. 

The brigade was so posted that its right, consisting of the 
Thirty-eighth, came opposite the (garrison) battery No. 3, 
bringing it opposite the right of Benton's division. Next, on 
the left, were the Twenty-first and Eighteenth, reaching to 
Battery No. 4 (Bed fort), then the Fifty-eighth and Thirty- 
sixth extending to the sand-bag battery; the four last being 
opposite McArthur's division. Next came Ector's Texas bri- 
gade. But Ector had lost a leg at Atlanta and had not yet 
resumed command. Its right was a North CaroHna regiment, 
Col. Coleman ; and next were . posted the consohdated regi- 
ments, about four, fronting Carr's division. They had feeen 



90 CAMPAIGN OP MOBILE. 

captured as cavalry at Arkansas post, and for eighteen 'months 
had served as infantry. Col. Andrews of Texas now command- 
ed the brigade ; Col. Bush Jones of the Fifty-eighth Alabama 
commanded Holtzclaw's brigade, and ' Holtzclaw commanded 
both brigades, comprising the left wing of the garrison. 

The garrison did not as yet feel much pressed, but was 
obhged to work industriously. Orders were now issued to 
economize ammunition, and immediate leave of absence for 
twenty-four hours was promised each man who would pro- 
cure twenty-five pounds of lead. This caused many hun- 
dred pounds of the besiegers bullets to be picked up. 

On the right, in McDermett, Capt. Barnes received from 
Mobile, two twenty-pounder Parrotts, and one Ylll-inch 
mortar. The latter was put in position one hundred yards 
inside the fort, on the interior slope of the hill. These in- 
creased the whole number of his pieces to eighteen. 

To reinforce the garrison at Blakely, it was proposed to 
withdraw Ector's brigade from Spanish fort. But, on the 
urgent recommendation of Gibson and Holtzclaw, it was 
allowed to remain.^ 

The casualties of the garrison for this day were reported 
to be four killed and seventeen wounded.^ 

1 Lidell to Gfihson : " April 1. — Gen. Maury has ordered me to send no more 
men to Spanisli fort, and to withdraw Ector's brigade. I do not know his ob- 
ject. Our lines are two thousand yards long, and I have not enough men here, 
by one thousand, to man our fortifications, and Steele's corps is reported to be 
larger than both corps in front of your works." 

Lidell to Maury : " April 1. — The following despatch just received from 
Gen. Gibson : ' In the opinion of Gen. HoltzclaAv and myself, the withdrawal 
of Ector's brigade renders Spanish fort untenable, with the small force, left 
against the large force, now pressing at every point. While this [is] mj candid 
conviction, I will continue heartily and with renewed eflbrts to do my utmost 
to hold this place.' Signed, ' E. L. Gibson, Brig.-Gen.' Please decide this mat- 
ter at once ; the boats have gone to Spanish fort." 

2 " I made a careful examination of the lines at Spanish fort to-day. Our 
works show signs of injury on our right, but no damage, as yet, done to our 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 91 

Operations of the Besiegers. — The captain of tlie steamer Mary 
had reported to Gen. Lidell, at Blakely, the efiectiveness of the 
fchirty-poimders (Fii'st Indiana) on the shore of Bay Minette ; 
whereupon that indefatigable officer went out and selected a 
good position, on the north bank of the Minette bayou, for a 
Ught battery, which would give Wimmer and Cox a reverse and 
raking fire. In the night, two ten-pounder rifles, of Grayson's 
battery, moved out from Blakely and occupied the position, 
which was only about one thousand yards from the battery on 
Bay Minette shore. Scarcely any work was done, for it was un- 
necessary, as the position was masked by the woods ; and, as 
Steele was approaching from the north, it was evident the 
guns could not remain there long. Grayson opened at daylight 
with the two rifled guns, and with decided effect. His firing 
was not wholly unexpected to Capt, Wimmer, for he had heard 
the noise of work in that direction the preceding night. Gray- 
son kept up a constant and accurate fire, raking the Bay Mi- 
nette battery from right to left, "Wimmer had no protection 
on his right, and his magazine was exposed. Nor was he 
able to return Grayson's fire. He immediately commenced 
throwing up works to protect his magazine, his subordinate 
officers and men working with great intrej)idity and zeal. All 
this while a heavy fire was going on between his guns and 
Fort Huger and the gunboat Morgan. At half-past four, p. m., 
he had constructed works to effectively secure his magazine, 



left. No signs of regular sapping on the part of the enemy, as yet ; his ap- 
proaches having been made up to this time by his skirmishers advancing them- 
selves at night, and protecting themselves by irregular pits. Their proximity 
is such, in front of our salients, that I determine to try some countermines, and 
order preparation made to that end. Enemy opens several mortars on Spanish 
fort. Capt. Grayson's battery of Parrotts, and the confederate steamer Mor- 
gan, open fire on Bay Minette batteries. Enemy appears in front of Blakely, 
and captures about one hundred men of the Forty-sixth Mississippi regiment 
by a dash on our outpost.", — Diary of a Gonfed&rale Officer. 



92 CAMPAIGN or MOBILE. 

and also got one giui in position to ansTver Grayson. Bnt 
tibie latter had, hj tliis hour, been called back with his guns 
inside the works at Blakelj. It had been a furious day for 
Wimmer and Cox's batteries, yet they had bnt thi-ee men 
injured. 

Oapt. Blaukeuship commenced work with his "\ ili-inch and 
X-iuch mortars (left, of Geddes' brigade, Carr's diyision), at 
half-past seyen o'clock, a. m. — lired fifteen rounds, and receiyed 
orders to cease firing. At noon he opened again, and threw 
forty-seven shells into Eed fort, out of fifty-one fii'ed, dis- 
moimting a gim and killing two men. Late in the eyening, 
he threw twenty-nine raore shells inside the gaiTison works. 

Hendiick's Battery L, First Indiana, haying arriyed the 
preyious eyening, two of his thii-ty-pounder Parrott^, imder 
immediate command of Lieut. Parker, opened a dii'ect fire, 
early in the morning, fi'om McAi'thur's right, and were imme- 
diately answered by a concentrated fire from sis guns, including 
one ^TLI-ineh cohunbiad. Gun No. 3, Corporal James Busby, 
gunner, dismounted one of the ganison gims diu'ing the first 
day's firing. 

Some briUiant shots were made by the m-ineh i-ifles of the 
Seventh Massachusetts — they haying struck the Brooks rifle, 
in Port MeDermett, five times while it was being fixed twice. 

Along the line, generally, there was not so much artilleiy 
firing as on the preceding day. 

In the Thhteenth coi"ps work was progressing on three 
heavy batteries — Xos. 1. i?, and 5. After dark Capt. Mack 
had his eighteen-poundei's hauled into position with ropes, 
bv hand, and got ready to open fire the following morning. 

Bertram's brigade, on the left, was pushing its advance line up 
to MeDermett rapidly, day and night. But it had some natural 
advantage in approaching under cover of the west slope of the 
bluft* on which the extreme left of their line rested. This 



CAMPAIGN OP MOBILE. 93 

afforded at least one approacli ; yet the side of the bluff was 
steep, and considerable work had been done to excavate from 
its side a terrace-walk. Starting fr-om the rear line, where 
the view of the bay and islands was extensive, the skirmish- 
ers went down a few steps to the terrace-walk, or covered way, 
and passing along that some hundreds of yards, they turned 
to the right, into an approach, and then, going another hun- 
dred yards, came into their present advance line of continuous 
rifle-pits, which was now less than two hundi'ed yards from 
the guns of McDermett. This day the Ninety-fourth Illinois 
was on duty at the front, and one of its men (Thomas Wilson, 
of Company A) was killed. 

Next, on the right of Bertram, was Marshall's brigade of the 
Sixteenth corps, occupying and advancing the works commenced 
by Veatch's division ; its right resting in the deep ravine which 
was in range of the guns of Old Spanish fort. Next, on the 
right, was Grier's brigade of Benton's division, in which Capts. 
G. G. Stearns, of the Seventy-seventh Illinois, and Campbell, of 
the Ninety-sixth Ohio, had been detailed to take charge of work 
in the trenches. The Twenty-eighth and Seventy-seventh Illi- 
nois were in fr-ont, and at night a sortie was made on then- skir- 
mish line, which was handsomely repulsed. 

Next, on the right. Day's brigade (Benton's division) was re- 
duced to two regiments, the Fiftieth Indiana and Ninety-first 
Illinois ; and on the right of that was the brigade of Col. Krez, 
whose skirmishers were holding an exposed position, and meet- 
ing with some loss. 

The left of the Sixteenth corps was now Hubbard's brigade 
(McArthur's division), in whose front an approacli had been 
extended to within two hundred yards of the main works of 
the garrison, and his second pa,rallel there constructed. This 
was manned with two hundred and fifty of the best sharp- 
shooters of the brigade, under charge of Capt. A. P. French, 



94 CAMPAIGN OP MOBILE. 

Fifth Minnesota ; the detail being permanent. The operations 
in that brigade were conducted with equal vigor and system. 
The loss in the brigade, during the day, was, in the Thirty- 
third Missouri, three killed and wounded, including Capt. W. 
Irwin ; in the Fifth Minnesota, one wounded. 

In McMillan's brigade, there was one killed in the Twenty- 
sixth Indiana, and one wounded in the Thirty-third Illinois. 

In Carr's division, the works were also progressing with vigor. 
Moore's brigade, in the centre, at night, commenced work on a 
third parallel, thirty yards in advance of the second. The 
casualties in the division were two killed and eight wounded, 
two of the latter mortally. 

The Navy. — On this day another vessel was sunk by a tor- 
pedo. At one, P. M., the tinclad steamer Eodolph, Acting 
Master N. M. Dyer, in obedience to signal from flagship, 
weighed anchor, passed within hail, and, receiving orders to 
take a barge alongside containing apparatus for raising the 
Milwaukie, proceeded with it inside the Blakely bar. The Eo- 
dolph had crossed the bar, and was standing up toward the 
wreck of the Milwaukie, when, at 2:40, p.m., being directly 
between the Chickasaw and Winnebago, she exploded a torpedo 
under her starboard bow, and rapidly sank in twelve feet of 
water. It appeared that a hole had been made in her ten feet 
in diameter. By this casualty four of her crew were killed and 
seven wounded, of whom five were colored men. 

Here, for a short time, let us withdraw attention from the 
operations at Spanish fort, and observe the movement of Steele's 
column out from Pensacola. 



CHAPTER XIII. 

OPERATIONS OF STEELE'S COLUMN FROM PENSACOLA BAY. 

Maj-Gen. F. Steele arrived at Barrancas on the 28tli of Feb- 
ruary, and assumed command of the troops operating from 
Pensacola bay. The Second and Third brigades of the Second 
division, Thirteenth army corps, with the Second Connecticut 
and Fifteenth Massachusetts light batteries, five thousand two 
hundred effective men, were already at that place and in readi- 
ness to march. A few days afterward Hawkins' colored divis- 
ion, five thousand five hundred effective, arrived, and by the' 
middle of March, Lucas' cavalry brigade, two thousand five 
hundred, had landed. The whole force amounted to thirteen 
thousand two hundred. 

Steele at once, in person, began a thorough inspection of his 
troops ; takmg one regiment at a time (formed in column of 
companies), and going through it examining the arms, accoutre- 
ments, and clothing of each soldier. 

A heavy pontoon train had arrived, and Capt. Boyle of the 
Thirty-fourth Iowa drilled his company successfully in the prac- 
tice of laying the bridge, but Gen. Steele wisely concluded to 
leave it behind. 

On the 10th of March, the Second division got orders to move 
to Pensacola, and repair the wharf. This was in order that the 
place could be available as a depot and base, if subsequent 
operations should require it. The same afternoon the division 
commander went up to Pensacola in a tug and ascertained what 
work needed to be done. 



96 CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 

At sunrise the next morning (Marcli 11), tlie division was 
a mile from camp, just entering the woods on the eastern 
part of the peninsula, with the train of eighty wagons of sup- 
pUes. The distance round the head of the bayou to Pensacola 
is thu'teen miles, the road sandy and very heavy. It was the 
same road over which Jackson marched in 1818 with his army 
of three thousand men and two pieces of artillery. Some of the 
road was imder water ; and it was also necessary to construct 
a few small bridges. Two miles oiit of Pensacola, the road for 
several hundred yards was obstructed with slashings of pine- 
trees ; but these were cut and rolled out of the way in a most 
rapid manner by the pioneer company, assisted by details from 
tlio column. The advance guard, consisting of a detachment 
of the Second Maine cavahy, entered the towTi soon after noon, 
and by three, p. m., the division was on its camping ground. 
The Second brigade (Spiceley's) camped on the ridge south of 
the old fort ; the Thii-d brigade (Moore's) camped on the level 
ground east of the railroad. The march had been pleasant and 
successful. 

The next day, being Sunday, repau's of the wharf were not 
fuUy commenced, yet Mr. Gray, principal mechanic in the quar- 
termaster's service, arrived from Barrancas with a detail of some 
fifty men from the colored regiment, with tools, and commenced 
taking up plank and caps fi'om another wharf. The repairs that 
were to be made consisted chiefly in driving piles and making 
new wharf to fill up two gaps, each three hundred feet in length, 
in the central or main wharf. The next morning, seventy pine 
logs for pUes were hauled from the neighboriug woods to the 
wharf before eight o'clock; and during the day two hundred 
were cut and haiiled ; and also sharpened. Mr. Gray was 
assisted by the Pioneer coi-ps and details from the division, and 
all engaged worked in an earnest-hearted manner. Nearly all 
the planks and caps needed were brought in boats fi-om the 



II 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 97 

neigLboring wliarf ; and one pile was nearly driven wlien tlie 
wind and waves rose and stopped tlie work. There being no 
pile-di"iver, the piles had to be worked into the ground by their 
own weight. For example, a pile having been placed upright, 
a rope was then made fast near the top ; and while the pile was 
kept steady, it was swayed backward and forward by men pull- 
ing on two sides till it became firmly set in the ground. 

The next day the storm continued and no work could be done. 
On the 15th it was resumed. It was also concluded to lay a 
railway track from the end of the wharf, when it should be 
repaired, up the main street as far as the quartermaster's and 
commissary's stores. Capt. McComas, acting engineer, and a 
detail from the Eighty-third Ohio, under officers of railroad 
experience, then commenced taking up the track and ties on the 
Montgomery raikoad. On the afternoon of Saturday, the 18th, 
the work was entirely finished. The wharf was made service- 
able and strong ; eight hundred yards of railroad completed, a 
platform car made and put on it in running order. This was all 
done in five and a half days. Though the work was done to 
provide for a futm-e contingency, the industrious men who per- 
formed it had the j)leasure of seeing it available the next day, in' 
landing and bringing up supplies. 

Pensacola at that time was indeed remarkable for its ruined 
and lonely condition. It appeared once to have contained five 
thousand inhabitants ; but it did not then have a hundred. It 
had been raided upon by troops on both sides. Apparently the 
best part of the town had been swept away by fire. Amid the 
ruins, the shrubbery, and here and there delicate flowers, recalled 
a period of taste, if not of affluence. But now there was not a 
dozen sound buildings in the town, and not a single shop doing 
business. 

Not knowing how long they would remain, the troops hand- 
somely pohced theu' camp and parade grounds, and built 



98 CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 

quarters ; using for the latter materials from the ruined build- 
ings in town. 

Nor did they neglect to devote some hours to mihtarj exer- 
cises. 

Information of the movement of these troops from Barrancas 
(familiarly known in that neighborhood as the "Navy-yard") 
reached Gen. Maury in Mobile in about thirty-six hours after 
they had started; but their number was estimated at about 
four times what it actually was. ^ At that time the confederates 

1 Lidell to Maury : '■"Blakely, March 12, 1 a. m. — Despatch from Greenwood 
tiat enemy left navy-yard early yesterday morning (the 11th) in direction ol 
Goazalis. Cavahy, infantry and artillery, twenty thousand strong." 

Same to Same: ^^ March 12, 5:12 a. m. — The following despatch, just received 
by Capt. Tutt, a reliable ofBcer, commanding at Greenwood : ' Just received a 

despatch from Mr. confirming the movement of the enemy from the 

navy-yard yesterday morning. They encamped near Pensacola last night with 
eighteen or twenty thousand, where they were to be joined by Gen. Steele 
with the balance of the command. Whole force estimated at about twenty-five 
thousand. Think they are coming out by Gouzalis.' " 

Same to Same: '■'■March 12, 5:10 p. m. — They had seventy-nine wagons and 
about seven days' provisions." 

Lidell to Col. Armistead, at Pollard: '■'March 12, 5:20 a. m. — The enemy is 

moving out from Pensacola Apprize me as soon as you ascertain what 

direction the enemy takes. Collect all your cavalry and keep in front of him." 

Lidell to Col. Armistead: "March 12, 6:45 p. m. — By direction of Gen- 
Maury you will keep as close to the enemy as possible, and keep in constant 
communication with Gen. Dan. Adams at Montevallo and Gen. Taylor at 
Meridian." 

Lidell to Armistead: "Ma^xh VI, \0\\.0 v.-K Have you heard anything 

from your Pensacola road scoiits ? Where are your ' sub-terra' shells and your 
piece of artillery ? Keep them with you, and, if possible, use them." 

Lidell to Armistead: " March 13, 9 p. m. — Push forward your scouts at once 
to Pensacola ; find out where the enemy is, and what he is doing." 

Same to Same : " March 14, 11:30 p. m. — The main body wiU yet move 
toward Pollard, or this way. Watch him closely until he develops his inten- 
tions." 

Same to Same : " March 17. — Later information states, that the enemy is in. 
creasing rather than diminishing his force. Unless your scouts go nearer the 
navy-yard and Pensacola, they cannot ascertain the facts." 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 99 

had military posts at Canoe station and Pollard on the Mont- 
gomery and Mobile railroad, about fifty miles north of Pensa- 
cola ; and there was a picket of thirty men at Pine Barren 
creek. On the 12th, Gen. Lidell telegraphed Col. Armistead 
at Canoe station that the federals had moved out from Pensa- 
cola. This was a mistake, and must have led to some uncer- 
tainty. Col. Armistead complied with the urgent appeals made 
to him to send scouts down to Pensacola. On the 15th, a small 
party of confederates appeared in front of the picket four miles 
out on the PoUard road, but without accomplishing anything 
further than obtaining a glimpse of the picket. This led to 
the strengthening of the cavalry picket on that road with a 
company of infantry so disposed as to render the capture of a 
small party probable if they had again appeared. 

The confederates were no less vigilant and eager. Gen. 
Lidell had instructed his outposts with a view of capturing 
any federal scouts or picket that might be sent out, specially 
enjoining them " to be certain of capturing the whole party, so 
that the enemy will not know what has become of them."i 

On the 19th, Gen. Steele, with Hawkins' division and Lucas' 
cavalry brigade, moved to Pensacola ; taking the short route 
over the wide ford northeast of Barrancas. The cavahy bri- 
gade consisted of the Second Illinois cavalry (but then detached 
to act with Spurling), First Louisiana cavalry, Second New 
York veteran cavahy, the battalion of Thirty-first Massachu- 
setts mounted infantrv, and the Second Massachusetts light 
battery. Part of this brigade crossed the ford in the dark, 
and the Thirty-first Massachusetts lost two horses with equip- 

^ Liddl to Capt. J. V. Tutt, commanding at Greenwood: "■ March 15. — Send 
out a force suiBcient to capture any picket-posts of the enenij'', or scouting 
parties that they may send out. You will instruct the officer in charge (who 
must be a competent one) to be certain of capturing the whole party, so that 
the enemy wiU not know what has become of them ; and in that way you may 
be able to gain some information concerning the intentions of the enemy." 



100 CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 

ments. The same day, Lieut.-Col. Spurling, with eight huii- 
dred cavahy, went on transports to the east shore of the Black- 
water, and thence moved to strike the raih^oad above Pollard. 

On the 20th, Steele's command moved out from Pensacola on 
the Pollard road, with ten days' rations — five canied by the 
men and five in the wagons. There were about two hundred and 
seventy wagons in the whole column. Each division took charge 
of its own train. The Second division of the Thirteenth corps 
had the advance, and started at dayhght. It was foUowed by 
the colored division. The cavahy brigade (except the Second 
Illinois, which embarked with Spurhng) left Pensacola at three, 
p. M., and bivouacked at ten, P. M., four miles out, the roads 
having been badly cut up by the infantry. The Second divis- 
ion, being in the advance, moved along pleasantly, halting ten 
minutes every horn-, and went into camp by noon, at the Twelve- 
mile house, in a pine forest, where the ground sloped a few 
hundred yards down to a clear stream. Each regiment came 
up in handsome style, with the music playing. Moore's brigade 
had been seen by confederate scouts, and the number of regi- 
ments counted, eight miles out from Pensacola.^ 

A few wagons of the train had sunk down to the hubs in the 
sand in some places, and these were not up till after dark. Haw- 
kins' division went into camp not far from the Second, before 
dark. The picket on the road was posted a mile and a half out. 
It was in charge of Capt. Bockwell, Thu'ty-fourth Iowa, who 
had his men so arranged as to have captured any confederate 
scouts if they had ventured closely up. Before midnight, a 



1 Capt Lewis to Col. Garner, Chief of Staff: " BlaMi/, March 21.— Have 
just received folloTving telegram Hcl. Qrs., Canoe Station, March 21. To 
H. L. D. Leicis, A. A. A. G. : Scouts, just in, report five (5) regiments of 
enemy's infantiy, with small body of cavalry, eight (8) miles this side of Pen- 
sacola, at twelve o'clock yesterday. Have sent down two regiments to meet 
them, if stUl advancing. " ' C. G. Aemistead, Col. Comd'g.' " 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 101 

heavy fall of rain commenced, and continued to come down in a 
steady jDonr till ten the next day. It was the same storm that 
impeded the column marching up the eastern shore of the bay 
to Fish river. The gi'ound was, in many places, so flooded, 
the troops were driven from theh slumber and rest before 
morning. 

At daylight of the 21st, Spiceley's brigade, of the Second 
division, moved out of camp, and pursued the march. Moore's 
brigade remained, to take charge of the division train. As 
soon as it was light, the artillery and the wagons attempted 
to get out of park and move on. Then appeared a most dis- 
couraging and dismal prospect. The ground, seeming to be 
a mere crust, which the falling torrents had softened and dis- 
solved, many of the wagons and artillery carriages had actually 
sunk down to the hubs in the very tracks where they had 
stood. The thought occurred to every one that he was indeed 
in the midst of the Florida swamps ! In the midst of large 
trees, where the ground was covered with a thin grass, and 
with every indication of its being firm and solid, the wheels 
would sink down, and the mules, in their struggles to draw, 
would themselves plunge into the quicksand, and require 
assistance to get out. Then wagons would be unloaded, and, 
after moving a little way, and getting upon what seemed firm 
ground, would be reloaded. The men pushed from behind, 
and tugged at every wheel. In some cases ropes were hitched 
to the wagon-tongues, and the men laying hold, pulled the 
loaded wagons a considerable distance. Meantime, the pio- 
neers were busy with their axes, cutting down small trees to 
corduroy the road. At first only bad places would be cordu- 
royed. But these were constantly occurring ; for, if one team 
passed safely, the next was hable to be stalled, if it followed 
in the same track. It seemed desirable to avoid corduroying 
the entire road, yet it would, perhaps, have been economy of 



102 CAMPAiaN OF MOBILE. 

labor to have done so. During tlie day Moore's brigade 
performed mucii work on tlie road, and ia getting the train 
along. The division marched only three mUes, and camped 
near the Fifteen-mile house. The most of the train was up 
by dark. 

The division commander had waited to see the artillery 
and teams get started, and to judge how far they could move 
during the day. He then, with the staff, passed on, and over- 
took Spiceley at eight o'clock, not far from the point where it 
was intended to camp. The rain was still falling. Spiceley 
had his brigade drawn up in line on the right of the road, 
in closed ranks, the men with their oilcloths [ponchos) on, 
standing at secure arms, with a cheerful expression of coun- 
tenance. The fine brass bands of the Twenty-fourth Indiana 
and Seventy-sixth Illinois struck up inspiring music. It was 
like a review — a singular spectacle, but one dehghtful to the 
soldier. None but a natural soldier would have conceived the 
idea. 

The cavalry brigade started at noon, and marched three miles 
only, such were the difficulties of the roq,d, and bivouacked at 
dark. Steele did not move his quarters, but was active ia help- 
ing along the column. A large mail having arrived^ was dis- 
tributed in the afternoon. 

The next day, the 22d, was pleasant. Spiceley's brigade fur- 
nished large details to improve the road four miles to the front. 
Before noon, Hawkins' division got up near the Fifteen-mile 
house, and camped. Lucas' cavahy arrived late in the after- 
noon. About noon, Steele, with the division commanders, ex- 
amiaed the road three miles to the front. The inspector exam- 
ined the wagons, and caused some hundreds of pounds of 
baggage to be abandoned. 

The confederates were still using every exertion to ascertain 
Steele's force and purpose. Their latest information estimated 



CAMPAIGN OP MOBILE. 103 

his strength at thii-ty thousand. About the same time, they 
learned that Thomas was sending down forces from the north. ^ 

The march was resumed the following morning, March 23d. 
The cavalry was in the advance, immediately followed by Haw- 
kins' division. In the Second division the artillery and wagon- 
train began to hitch up at nine o'clock, and the division was on 
the march by ten. But the 'road was so cut up by the trains in 
advance, that Spiceley's brigade, having charge of the train of 
the Second division, had to renew its labor on the roads before 
it was a mile fi'om camp, and was, in fact, busy corduroying 
much of the ten miles to Pine Barren creek. 

A detachment of confederate cavalry under Lieut.-Col. Leary 
was watching Steele's advance, and occasionally from behind log 
breastworks on a favorable crest attempted to hold him in 
check. Early in the forenoon there was considerable noise of 
musketry, and the Thirty-first Massachusetts, Lucas' rear 
battahon, was called to the fi'ont in a gallop. But the obstruc- 
tion was not serious ; and before reaching Pine Barren creek 
the confederates filed off toward the north, for they knew the 
bridge was destroyed, and that the stream was not fordable. 

1 Lidell to Armistead: " March 22. — Let me know what is going on in your 
front." 

Lidell to Maury : " March 22, 5 : 15, a. m. — I received the enclosed despatches 
about midnight, and send them to you by first boat. Lieut. Sibley's report, iu 
a great measui-e, confirms that sent yesterday from Col. Armistead from Canoe 
station. The enemy's strength being, however, ten thousand less [despatch had 
estimated Steele's force at forty thousand] in this last. You will see that Gen 
Thomas co-operates from Vicksburgh simultaneously. I now think there ean 
be no longer any doubt upon the subject. It is sad to think of the desolation 
that will follow the traces of these columns of devastating Yankees ! ! ! I have 
nothing late from the force coming up by Ksh river. I can only conjectiure 
that if sufficiently large, it will attempt to get possession of Spanish fort for a 
base, whence occupation can be given to the fleet iu the bay. In carrying 
through the movement on Selma, the iise of the Alabama river is of the utmost 
importance to the enemy ; hence I don't think we wiU be permitted to remain 
in quiet long." 



104: CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 

Their loss had been one killed and one captured. At noon, 
Steele, being at the front, came to where the ground begins to 
descend to the Pine Barren. It was a mile from that strea-m. 
Just there was a farm under fair tillage, and on both sides of 
the road ^ high rail fence. Four miles off to the right could 
be seen the high and wooded bank of the Escambia, ha\dng a 
picturesque appearance. From this point of observation to the 
Pine Barren the descent was some three hundred feet ; but 
there were several intervening hills, and on both sides of the 
road an open pine forest. Gen. Steele soon ascertained the 
condition of Pine Barren creek ; that it was ten feet deep, its 
banks widely overflowed, and the current violent ; also that the 
bridge was destroyed. Companies A and D, Capt. Bond, and 
Lieut. Bond of the Thirty-first Massachusetts, crossed the 
stream, dismounted, on driftwood, and after exchanging a few 
shots with the confederate picket, drove it away, and remained 
there themselves as a picket. One confederate was wounded. 
Capt. Newton, assistant-engineer on Gen. Steele's staff, soon 
after commenced the construction of a bridge assisted by large 
details from the infantry. The cavahy went into camp on the 
left side of the road a few hundred yards from the creek, and 
on high ground. Hawkins' division about opposite on the 
right of the road. The Second division coming up by the 
middle of the afternoon camped on both sides of the road in 
rear of the other troops. Steele's tents were pitched on the 
left of the road in the centre of his command. By direction, 
the troops repeated the evening caU. twice to give the confed- 
erates an exaggerated impression of their number. 

The weather continued pleasant on the 24th. Lucas had 
scouts out to Williams' station, and some infantry of the Second 
division were sent down to the Escambia landing, to look for 
steamboats, which were expected from Barrancas with supplies. 
But some accident prevented their arrival. Captain Newton, 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 105 

tliougii in poor health, continued hard at work, constracting the 
bridge, and much of the time was in the watei". He was assisted 
by Captain Pickering's pioneers, and other details. White and 
colored troops were working together. At about three o'clock in 
the afternoon, he said it would be finished in an hour, which was 
sooner than the commanding general exj)ected. This informa- 
tion was immediately communicated unofficially to Gen. Lucas, 
who ordered " Boots and Saddles" to be sounded, then to Gen. 
Hawkins, and then to Gen. Steele, who at once sent out orders 
for the command to move that evening. The bridge was finish- 
ed at the time specified ; and was three hundred feet in length. 
Considering that the logs had to be newly cut and carried some 
little .distance, that the current was deep and swift, that its 
banks were flooded bottoms, covered with timber and under- 
brush, difficult to move about in, a bridge of that kind to be 
made in one day, is a respectable achievement. Yet it was no 
singular instance of the soldier's enterprise and toil. 

The cavalry began to cross as soon as the bridge was done. 
Its wagon train moved tardily. It had to descend a steep hill, 
terminating at the river bank, and the road being much washed 
the wagons could not well be held back, and were in danger of 
striking against trees. At that late hour, a few trees had to be 
chopped down, and some other work done on the road. The 
Second division had moved out of camp and had to sit down on 
the road side till the teams had got over. Spiceley's brigade 
was the advance of that division and the Sixty-ninth Indiana, 
Lieut.-Col. Perry, was down at the river bank. Next to the 
bridge, the road, for one hundred feet or more, was covered with 
water a foot deep ; and the men of that battahon had taken off 
their shoes and stockings, and rolled up theu' trowsers, so as to 
be ready to wade to the bridge. It was nearly dark before the 
cavalry wagon train was over. The Second division then fol- 
lowed. There was but a slight rise of the ground from the 



106 CAMPAIGN OP MOBILE. 

nortli bank, and tlie surface was tliickly wooded witli pine. 
The artillery and wagons of tlie Second division liad moved 
but a few rods after crossing the Pine Barren, till the wheels 
began to sink down horridly. Moore's brigade had charge of 
the train, and the men -had to resume the toil of corduroying. 
The artillery and train got a mile and a quarter from the river 
at about eight o'clock in the evening, and bivouacked on rather 
high ground, half a mile from the cavalry. The colored division 
did not move till morning. Lucas had pickets out about two 
miles to the front, and during the night their shots were fre- 
quently heard. 

In course of the day, his scouts had brought in a Mr. Wil- 
liams as prisoner, who imparted to Gen. Steele some informa- 
tion respecting the roads, and was detained by the latter till 
the next day. He acquired the impression that Gen. Steele 
was moving on Montgomery, which was not singular. Nor 
was it strange that a citizen should estimate his force to be 
twenty-five thousand. But that it should be thought he was 
taking five hundred pieces of artillery through the sivamps of 
Florida, must indeed be considered an extraordinary esti- 
mate. ^ 



^Lidell to Maury: " Blakely , March 25. — The following despatch has just 
been received from Col. Armistead : ' Canoe Station, March. 25. Capt. Lewis, 
A. A. A. Gt. : Since last despatch, a scout has arrived : says Bud Williams 
was captured by enemy yesterday, and detained all night at Clen, Steele's 
headquarters. From observation, and information received from enemy, Wil- 
liams says his force is twenty-five thousand, with over five hundred wagons 
and a great many pieces of artillery, thinks five hundred, (!) Says G-en. Steele 
kept him all night giving information as to the roads and towns between Pol- 
lard and Montgomery. This force moving on Montgomery, negro and white 
troops about equally divided. Steele asked information as to all roads run- 
ning parallel in direction of Montgomery and Claiborne.'" 



CHAPTER XIV. 

CONTINUATION OF STEELE'S MARCH. 

Steele's colunm moved out on tlie morning of the 25tli, at 
dayliglit, with, expectations of a fight. Scouts had brought 
reports the evening before, that two brigades of confederates> 
with artillery, were intrenched on some creek a few miles ahead, 
and intended to make a determined resistance. The picket 
firing, which had been heard in the night, and other cu'cum- 
stances, seemed to render the report probable. 

Lucas's troops encountered slight resistance when three 
miles out. At nine o'clock, they reached Mitchell's creek, on the 
opposite bank of which a cavahy force of about four hundred, 
under Col. Charles P. Ball, was intrenched. Some distance 
in Ball's rear was Clanton's brigade, as a reserve. The bridge 
had been partly destroyed. The banks, though not high, were 
skirted with a thick growth of shrubbery, which was material 
as a cover and defence. Having learned the nature of the 
force in his front, Lucas sent a detachment of the Second New 
York veteran cavalry, under Col. Christler, through the woods 
to the left, to cross the stream, if practicable, a mile above, 
and come in on the right flank and rear of the confederates. 
He then caused three companies of the Pii'st Louisiana cav- 
alry to dismount and cross the stream below. They attacked 
Ball's left with great spirit, and, after a short contest, made 
him abandon his position. This firing was plainly heard by 
the federal infantry. The Second division followed the cavahy. 
And at about ten, A. m., an orderly brought word from Gen. 



108 CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 

Lucas, tliat lie had met the enemy and captured three or four 
of them. 

Col. Christler returned, not having found a crossing. After 
causing the bridge to be repaired, so the horses could pass 
over safely, Lucas moved forward at a trot, with the First 
Louisiana and a portion of the Second New York. He met 
the confederate forces at Cotton creek, and again at Canoe 
creek, but at each place his men pressed on with so much vigor 
and gallantry that they were not long held in. check. At 
Cotton creek the Second Massachusetts Hght battery opened 
fire, and for a few moments the combat seemed severe. The 
confederates lost a few men in that skirmish. On the north 
bank of Canoe creek the ground rose to a height of two hun- 
dred feet, and afforded an advantageous position to the con- 
federates, if it had been advisable to make a firm stand. From 
there thev fell back to Pringle's creek, distant about four miles. 

COMBAT OT' PRINGLE'S CREEK. 

Pringle's creek was a shallow stream, skirted with shrubbery. 
Its north bank rose gradually fifty feet, and was covered with 
a characteristic growth of pine. On the brow of that crest 
was a high fence of split rails, and a few hard-wOod trees with 
heavy foliage. After crossing the ford, the road bore round 
to the right, making a gradual ascent of the hill, and was much 
obscured by the trees. Three hundred yards above the ford 
was Pritchard's small grist-mill, and above that a few acres 
were covered with a mill-pond. A mile below there was the 
small village of Bluff Spring. 

Arriving at this creek, Col. Ball, to save his command, turned 
off rapidly toward Williams' station, leaving a picket on the 
road. He did not suppose Clanton's brigade would again 
offer battle, and both he and Col. Armistead, who was with 
him, deemed Pringle's creek a poor position. This left only 



I 



CAMPAIGN OP MOBILE. 109 

Clanton's brigade in tlie immediate front of Lucas. The bri- 
gade consisted of two Alabama cavalry regiments, or battalions, 
under command of Col. Leary and Maj. Faulkner, not exceed- 
ing five hundred men ; and attached to it also were two pieces 
of artillery, and one hundred infantry reserves, which remained 
on the north bank of the Escambia. Gen. Clanton had not yet 
arrived from Pollard, and his brigade was under command of 
Col. Leary. The latter made a breastwork of fence-rails on 
the rise north of Pringle's creek, and behind it again formed 
his men. Immediately in their rear was an extensive field, 
wooded on both sides; and half a mile back of them their 
horses were tied, in a thick grove of hard wood, near some 
old log buildings which had been used for soldiers' quarters. 

A sharp engagement ensued as soon as Lucas' advance came 
up. The confederates were driven back two hundred yards 
in ten muiutes, and were still falling back as Gen. Clanton 
galloped up and ordered a halt. At this Col. Leary seemed 
surprised, and told Clanton they were being flanked. Clanton 
repUed : " But we must fall back in order." The latter then 
commanded his forces to dress up on the colors. His brave 
color-bearer, young Maynor, held the colors high, and repeated 
the command, "Dress up on the colors." Fifteen minutes after- 
ward Clanton fell severely, and it was then thought mortally, 
wounded. Immediately the buglers of the First Louisiana 
sounded the call for the charge, and that regiment mounted 
and led by its commander, Lieut.-Col. A. S. Badger, dashed 
forward in line of battle, in a gaUant, impetuous manner, and 
with a wild and thrilhng cheer. They were met by a voUey ; 
and though some of their number feU, the fury of the charge 
was not checked ; and in a few moments they had swept over 
and cajDtured the main part of the confederate force. The 
prisoners consisted of Gen. Clanton, ten other officers, and one 
hundred and twenty enhsted men. The killed and wounded 



110 CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 

mimberecl about a dozen. A battle-flag was captured by Private 
Tliomas Eiley. A number of borses and mules were also 
captured. The loss of tbe First Louisiana was two killed — • 
First Lieut. Albert Scbaffer and a bugler wbo fell in tbe 
charge — and eight wounded. Maj. J. E. Cowan of that regi- 
ment received a severe and painful injury to bis leg by coming 
in contact with a borse. Li this action tbe Second New York 
attacked tbe confederates on tbeir flank. Tbe remainder of 
Clanton's command, a few wbo were mounted, were pursued to 
tbe Escambia, wbere, not knowing tbat tbe bridge was torn up 
from tbe centre, tbey leaped into tbe swoUen and powerful stream, 
and escaped to tbe opposite sbore or were drowned. Tbe others 
fled into the swamps. Lucas bad a running fight all the way to 
the Escambia. The two pieces of artillery and reserves from 
the north bank of that river produced an effect greater than 
their force justified ; such is tbe moral power of artOlery. Tbey 
were repbed to by four pieces of the Second Massachusetts, 
under Lieut. Greenleaf, and in an hour compelled to retire. 

The Second division headquarters, with Spiceley's brigade of 
that division, at one o'clock, had ascended the long bill north of 
Canoe creek and gone into camp. Just then a despatch from 
Col. Wbittelsey, chief of staff to Gen. Steele, was received 
stating that it would be prudent to send forward a brigade and 
some artillery to support Lucas. 

The commander of the division then with Spiceley's brigade 
and a section of each of the bght batteries hastened forward- 
Just beyond Pringle's creek the prisoners were received and 
taken charge of by the provost guard of the Second division. 
The detachment arrived at the Escambia at four in the after- 
noon, and only a short time after the cavalry, having marched 
seventeen miles. The banks of the Escambia being greatly 
overflowed, and it being essential to cross it, details from 
Spiceley's brigade set to work constructing a foot bridge on the 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. Ill 

railroad trestle wliicli crossed tlie river a few rods below the 
destroyed bridge. But before tlie infantry bad arrived Liicas 
bad sent over two companies of the Tbirty-first Massacbusetts* 
dismounted, as pickets. 

Tbe road bad required considerable labor in order to bring 
tbe train along, and tbe remainder of tbe infantry tbat day got 
only to Cotton creek. Near tbe Escambia tbe road crossed 
marshes several hundred yards in extent, and much of the way 
covered with ponds of water. Through these it was perilous 
to ride and tedious to march afoot. The details that worked 
on the bridge had to pass through such places. It was with 
much difficulty that the artillery was got through. 

Information of the fight at Pringie's creek and its result was 
received at Mobile the same day.^ 

Entry of Pollard. — In pursuance of Gen. Steele's orders, 
Spiceley's brigade of the Second divison, marched for Pollard 
at daylight, the 26th. It was also accompanied by the division 
commander and staff. Infantry were sent, because cavalry 
could not yet cross the river. AU went a-foot ; and having 
crossed over on the railroad trestle in single file, descended 
as best they could, some fifteen feet upon the marshy and 
overflowed bank. Thence, for some distance, the way lay 
through swampy places, which had to be waded. The little 
Escambia was bridged in a short time. On its opposite bank 
some confederate scouts were seen, and two or three shots were 
fixed. The road showed tracks of the artillery, which the con- 
federates had used the day before, and the federals not yet 
having any certain knowledge of what was in Pollard, thought 



1 Gen. Lidell to Col. Spence: '^ March 25. — Gen. Clanton was wounded, and 
with Col. Lary, ]\Iajor Wharton, and the greater part of the brigade, wore cap- 
tured to-day near Bhiff Springs. CoL Armistead and Col. Ball, not with them 
in the fight, still safe and in front of the enemy. That column of the enemy 
have a large wagon train and are moving for Montgomery." 



112 CAMPAIGN OP MOBILE. 

it possible tliej might there meet with resistance. Preparations 
were accordingly made for such an emergency. But no armed 
confederates could be found, and the village was peaceably 
taken possession of. It was a small village, having, perhaps, 
twenty dwelhngs, rude and much scattered. There were two 
or three wooden storehouses, used by the confederates, but 
there was no property, save a barrel or two of hard-bread. 
The pubhc storehouses, and only those, were burned. 

A thousand yards of railroad was torn up by the Twenty- 
fourth Indiana, for the moral effect, but the bridges were not 
harmed, for it was thought they would soon be useful to the 
federals. 

Spiceley's brigade, it will be remembered, consisted of two 
Indiana regiments — the Twenty-fourth and Sixty-ninth — and 
two Illinois regiments — -the Sixty-seventh and Seventy-sixth — . 
and it was in fine condition. It had two remarkably good 
brass bands ; and when the brigade marched away from the 
village, these bands struck up their inspiring strains. It ap- 
peared as if the whole population of the village, consisting prin- 
cipally of women and children, were following the soldiers away. 
They walked along by their side, talking with them with the 
utmost good humor. 

As the brigade was leaving the place, some of the cavalry 
foragers entered, they having effected a crossing of the Escam- 
bia some distance above the railroad bridge. 

The infantry returned to their camp, south of the Escambia, 
at four in the afternoon. The Eighty-third Ohio had come up 
and crossed the Escambia, to be in readiness as a reserve. 

Spurling's Operations. — On the morning of the 19th, Lieut.- 
Col. A. B. Spurling, Second Maine cavahy, began to move from 
Barrancas on transports, with a force of eight hundred mounted 
men, with instructions to cut the raihoad above Pollard. He 
had an experienced and excellent command, consisting of the 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 113 

mounted force of the three follo^dng regiments : the Second 
Maine, Major C. A. Miller ; the Second Illinois, Major Frank 
Moore ; the First Florida, Capt. Francis Lyons. Two compa- 
nies under Capt. E. D. Johnson, Second Maine cavalry, were 
landed at Milton, and moved out toward Pollard, to diive away 
any confederate scouts that might be there, and to create the 
impression that the whole force would land there. By three, 
A. M., of the 20th, Spurling had landed his force on the east 
shore of the Blackwater, three miles below, and opposite Milton, 
and marched for the railroad, via Andalusia. Confederate 
scouts were frequently met, and few escaped captui'e. The 
night of the 23d, from eleven to one o'clock, the column halted 
to rest, a few miles out from Evergreen. 

Capture of a Staff Officer. — Soon after the column halted. Col. 
Spurling rode forward to his advance, and had scarcely arrived 
there when he heard talking in front. Dismounting quickly, he 
cautioned the men to be on the alert. He then stepped forward 
a few paces, and satisfied himseH there were men approaching. 
Then he crouched down beside the fence, to let them pass. 
There were three ; and as soon as they had got by, Spurling 
jumped in their rear and commanded them to -surrender. They 
demanded to know who he was. Spui'ling replied, " I am a hve 
Yankee." At that, the confederates raised their rifles on him, 
and Spurling as quickly commenced firing on them with a re- 
volver, wounding two and capturing the three. They proved to 
to be Lieut. Watts, of Gen. Clanton's staff, and two scouts. By 
this, Spurling prevented alarm being given of his approach, and 
at three o'clock on the morning of the 24:th he cut the rail- 
road seven miles above Evergreen, and captured an up and a 
down train of cars, one train being loaded with confederate 
troops, whom ho took prisoners. Having destroyed consider- 
able raih'oad track and rolling stock, he came down, via Sparta, 
bringing his prisoners mounted on captured horses. At Sparta, 

8 



114 CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 

he burned six more cars, and tlie depot containing public stores, 
which had been sent from Pollard for safe keeping. The morning 
of the 26th, attempting to cross the bridge over Murder creek, it 
was found to be partly destroyed, and a small confederate force 
was posted on the opposite side, behind a strong barricade of 
logs ; but it was dislodged and driven off by a detachment of 
the Second Illinois and Second Maine dismounted. Lieut. 
Vose and one man of the Second Maine cavalry were wounded. 
The bridge was then repaired and crossed. Col. Spurling's 
command arrived at Pollard on the 26th, only a short time after 
Spiceley's brigade had left, and joined Steele's column the 
morning of the 27th, he having accompHshed the object of his 
expedition in a brilliant manner, and without the loss of a man. 

Steele turns toward Blakehj. — The evening of the 26th, Steele 
called his division commanders together, and notified them the 
column would turn the next morTiing to join Canby. There 
were now but four days' rations on hand, and the cormtry was 
remarkably destitute. It was but little else than a "wilderness. 
The men were therefore put on half-rations. They having been 
exposed to wet weather and heavy fatigue the five days' rations 
they caiTied had not lasted the full time, as to all the men. But 
there were some who had been saving, and were still fairly pro- 
vided. A large number were without anything, and were 
expecting a new issue when they received orders to go on half- 
rations. 

Early on the moiTiing of the 27th, the column turned and 
marched westerly, toward Canoe station, on the Mobile and 
Montgomery railroad. Unfortunately, the route had not been 
previously examined and repaired. The cavahy moved out first, 
followed by Hawkins' division ; but in attempting to get the 
wagons along, it was found, that the first two miles of the road 
needed to be cordui"oyed. This prevented the fear of the 
Second division from starting tiU noon. The prisoners beiug 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. Il8 

in charge of tliat division, those of them who were wonnded 
were carried carefully on stretchers to the neighboring honses. 
Gen. Clanton was thus carried, for a ball had passed quite 
through his body, and he was supposed to be mortally wounded. 
But he recovered. 

Spurling's prisoners, upward of a hundred, were turned over 
to Capt. Garretson, provost marshal of the Second division. 
Spurhng's men had supphed themselves plentifully with tobacco, 
which they distributed generously among the other troops. 

The confederates appear to have restored their telegraph 
communication on the Montgomery road in four days after it 
was cut. 

Col. Hall, after leaving Pringle's creek, passed round thirty 
miles up to HoUins' bridge, and the next night (Sunday, the 
26th) swam the Escambia, then proceeded to Bellville, and 
thence to Evergreen. Col. Armistead remained at Bellville, and 
from there, on the 30th, telegraphed Gen. LideU of the occupa- 
tion of Pollard by the federals on the 26th, and Canoe station 
the 27th. 1 

The distance to Canoe station, on the route the column 
moved, was thirteen miles. After passing the bad road near 
the Escambia, the country was hilly, and it seemed that there 
would be but sHght trouble in getting the wagons along. But 
the rain commenced falling soon after noon, dissolving the 
earth's treacherous surface. The main part of the column 
reached Canoe station ia good season. But Spiceley's brigade 
with the train of the Second division had to bivouac near 
Miles', four miles from Canoe station. The artUlery got a httle 
farther. The night was intensely dark, the rain was coming 
down in torrents. The prospect was dismal. 

1 LideU to Maury : " March 31. — Col. Armistead telegraphs from Bellville 
via Greenville, 30th, that the enemy were in force at PoUard Sunday morning, 
and reported to have occupied Canoe station Monday. He heard the enemy 
would turn toward Tensas and Blakely." 



116 CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 

The 28tli, tlie weather was pleasant overhead. The Second 
division worked from dayhght till eleven, A. M., and corduroyed 
the road nearly the whole way from Miles' to Canoe station — 
four miles — in order to get up the train and artillery. The 
cavalry and Hawkins' division had moved on. The Second 
division train was all up to Canoe station by one o'clock. A 
rest was then taken of two hours. Eations were then issued for 
five thousand one hundred and seventy-nine men, the number of 
enlisted men of the two brigades present, and for two hundred 
and thirty-six prisoners. At three, P. M., the march was re- 
sumed in a northwesterly direction. The troops moved out in 
good spirits and handsome style, the music playing. Five miles 
were made by dusk, when they again went into camp on an 
abandoned plantation. Gen. Steele with the rest of the column 
camped about five miles beyond. 

The march was resumed at daylight, the 29th, by the Second 
division ; but the roads were bad, and had to be corduroyed 
much of the way. The camp of Hawkins' division was passed at 
eleven o'clock. From there to the Perdido was three miles, and, 
heavy rain falling in the afternoon, that distance also had to be 
corduroyed. At dusk the column camped near the Perdido. 
The cavaky moved on to Weatherford's plantation. 

For the past three days cannonading had been heard in the 
direction of Spanish fort ; and there was a rumor that the 
federals had assaulted and been repulsed — ^badly repulsed, of 
course, for the rumors of the camp are seldom moderate. 

Gen. Steele having sent some scouts with despatches to Gen. 
Canby, they were observed by the confederates at Bay Minette 
station. ^ 



^ Lidell to HoUzdaw, "commanding advance:" "March 29 Capt. 

Winston has just reported the advance of the enemy, consisting of between 
fifty and one hundred cavahy, was at Bay Minette station this afternoon, at 
three o'clock." 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 117 

The moming of the 30tli was raw and windy, and the sol- 
diers were seen in tliick circles around the camp-fires. The 
colored division moved out first, and was followed by the 
Second at nine o'clock. The Perdido, where forded, was two 
feet deep, and some trees were felled, on which the soldiers 
crossed. To get the artillery along, the Second division made 
two miles more of corduroy, and made it promptly. Consider- 
able work had to be done also on the road near McGills. 
Then the division marched two miles farther, making nine from 
the Perdido, and, at dusk, went into camp in the woods, on 
high ground, just beyond a clear stream. The cavalry and 
Hawkins' division had got a few miles beyond. Toward 
evening, the foragers, who had been to Montgomery Hill, 
brought in some beef cattle and sheep, which were greatly 
needed. The troops were on third rations, and the majority 
were suffering with hunger. The labor and exposure were 
enough to reduce men who were well fed. As it was, the 
effects of the hardships of the march, and the scanty fare, 
could be discerned, day by day, in the reduced flesh of the sol- 
diers. There was, perhaps, a day's ration still in the train. 
It was singular to perceive so much difference in the economy 
and husbandry of men. While some would be living on 
parched corn, a few would have haversacks still plump, and 
well furnished with bacon and hard bread, coffee and sugar. ^ 

At dayhght on the 31st, the Second division resumed the 
march, making Stockton, nineteen miles, by two o'clock. The 
whole column arrived there about that time. For a few miles 
before reaching Stockton the country was more settled and 

1 " Tired, wet, muddy, and hungry. Our supper consisted to-night of sassa- 
fras tea and parched corn, which we had picked up from the ground where 
om- cavahry had fed." — Diary of a Private Soldier, March 30. 

" Rations very scarce, and forage also. The prisoners are very hungry, but 
say we are doing the best we can with them." — Diary of another Enlisted Man, 
March 31. 



118 CAMPAIGN OP MOBILE. 

fertile; and thougli liilly, tlie road was fair. It was indeed a 
luxury to come out upon a road tliat did not need corduroying. 
The ration question began there to assume a pleasanter shape. ^. 
There was plenty of fresh meat. Considerable corn was also 
found, and a grist-mill there was kept running while the troops 
remained. 

The trooDS having supplied themselves with com from the 
neighboring plantations, the march was resumed the forenoon 
of AprU 1. The Second division was in the rear, and its last 
files left Stockton at noon. The road being hard, though hilly, 
Steele with the cavahy and Hawkins division pushed on to 
within two miles of Blakely. A regiment of Pile's brigade was 
detached to guard the Hollyoak bridge, but returned the next 
day. 

Capture of an Outpost. — ^Lieut.-Col. Spurling still retaining 
his command, was sent forward from Stockton in advance to 
open communication with Gen. Canby, Arriving within six 
miles of Blakely he encountered confederate scouts, several of 
whom he captured, and pursued the remainder closely two 
miles, when he came upon a stronger force, consisting of the 
Forty-ninth Mississippi, near WUkins' plantation, posted behind 
a barricade of fence-rails three tier deep. Spurling then caused 
the Second Maine to dismount to attack on foot, leaving the 
First Florida as a reserve and as a guard for the horses. He 
then disposed the Second Illinois with sabres drawn in rear 
of the Second Maine, who were already skirmishing briskly, 
and steadily advancing. The confederates observed the bullets 
of the Second Maine to rattle faster and harder on their rail 
barricade, and discerning the glittering sabres of the Second Illi- 
nois farther back they soon gave way. Then Spurling ordered 

1 " Marched nineteen miles to-day. Have no bread or coffee, but plenty of 
pork, beef, and mutton. Drew one cracker a piece to-night." — Diary of a 
Private Soldier, March 31. 



CAMPAIGN or MOBILE. 119 

tlie Second Illinois to charge, whicli it did in gallant style, and 
captured the main part of the outpost before it could rally 
behind its second line of works. The Second Maine followed 
as soon as it could mount. About one himdred of the Forty- 
ninth Mississippi were captured, with its colors and arms. 
Spui-ling's loss was one lolled and three wounded. 

About the same time the confederate outpost at O. Sibley's 
was withdrawn and the bridge set on fire.^ Lucas, having 
learned the locality of the bridge, by permission, sent the 
Second Illinois cavalry, under Lieut.-Col. Moore, to hold it, 
and the latter arrived in season to save it. Lucas' cavahy also 
reconnoitered the position of Blakely and drew the fire of its 
ai-tillery. One of the cavahy-men was killed within a thousand 
yards of the principal redoubt on the Stockton road ; and was 
afterward buried by men of the Second division. The cavalry 
also charged on an outpost on Saluda hill, and the confederates 
having ralKed a skirmish ensued in which there were one or 
two knied and wounded on both sides. During the day the 
cavalry lost a few men and horses by the explosion of toi'pedoes. 

Here, then, before Blakely, moving with rapid and defiant 
step, was the column which, a few days before, was supposed 
to be inexti-icably stuck in . the Florida swamps. It is not 



''^ Gapt. Lewis to the colonel commanding infantry at Sibley's house : ^^March 
31. — The enemy is about fifteen miles distant near the raikoad above us, 
and will probably advance to-morrow morning ; in view of which Gen. LideU 
directs that you withdraw your advance pickets to-night from front of the 
enemy to Sibley's creek where you now are. You will direct the officer in 
charge of the squad with sub-terra shells to plant them at once, except in the 
road, where they will not be placed until the last moment, leaving a 'vidette' 
in the road, to inform any of our men coming in of the necessity of keeping in 
the middle of the road. It is necessary for you to concenti-ate yoiu- command 
in order to be ready to move to the works — with the artillery — or resist the 
enemy where you are should he come in your front and not from above. 
You will also burn the Sibley bridge should he be able to drive you from the 
creek." 



120 CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 

strange that the commanding general at Blakely apprehended 
an assault.^ 

From Stockton to the raikoad, crossing at Hall's, the distance 
is fourteen miles. The Second division reached that place just 
before dark, and received orders, which had been left by Gen. 
Steele, to destroy the raihoad. Spiceley's bidgade having got in 
first, the Twenty-fourth Indiana was set to that duty, and 
effectively destroyed four hundred yards of track ia an hour. 

FeatcKs Moveinent with Supplies. — On the 31st of March, Gen. 
Canby started a train of seventy-five wagons of suppHes to 
Steele. The train was in charge of Veatch's division, which 
moved out from near Spanish fort at eight in the morning, 
arriving at Hollyoak at noon, where it intrenched. The next 
day, April 1, a detachment of one hundred of the Fourth Ten- 
nessee cavalry, under Lieut.-Col. Thornbuiy, reported to Veatch, 
and Maj. McEntee, Steele's chief quartermaster, also came up 
from Canby's headquarters. Yeatch marched again at three, 
p. M. At sis, p. M., he heard firing toward Blakely. The column 
halted, and a squadron of cavahy, supported by two regiments 
of infantry and a section of artillery, marched three miles 
farther toward Blakely, when, everything becoming quiet, and 
it being very dark, they returned to the division-camp. The 
suppUes were got to Steele the next night. 

i Lidell to Maury: "April 1. — In view of the fact that Steele with his 
negroes may assault our works please send me one hundred and fifty small 
arms to place in the hands of aU surplus artillerists." 



CHAPTER XY. 

INVESTMENT AND SIEGE OF BLAKELT. 

Blakely is situated ten miles northeast from Mobile, on tlie 
east bank of tlie Appalacliee river, and opposite its confluence 
with the Tensas. The extent and depth of its adjacent waters 
make it a fine natiu'al port. On the old maps it appears as a 
place of importance, and forty years ago it had a population of 
three thousand ; but the landowners held their property at such 
high prices its growth was checked, and the people soon took 
down their buildings and moved with them to Mobile. At the 
time of the war, Blakely, although a county-seat, had a poj)ula- 
tion not exceeding a hundred. Its front of dry ground, on the 
river, is a mile and a half in extent, and this character of soil 
widens on going from the river ; but on each side of it is low, 
swampy ground, densely covered with hard-wood timber and a 
rank gTOwth of weeds and vines. The soil is sandy. Near the 
river are several large and ancient live-oaks bountifully festooned 
with moss. Approaching the place from the river, it seems nearly 
covered with a growth of natural forest, yet some old and culti- 
vated openings can be seen. Five hundred yards above the 
landing is a brick-yard, and near that a spur of gTOund fifty feet 
higher than the water approaches to the river, upon which a small 
stockade fort was first built. Then some half a mile from that, 
on a plateau of equal elevation, was an incomplete bastion-fort, 
of red earth. Two hundred yards from the landing, almost 
secluded by the drooping branches of live-oaks, is the court- 
house — a small two-story brick building, painted white, and 



122 CAMPAIGN or i£OBILE. 

haying in its basement a room answering tlie pui'pose of a jail. 
In sight, also, are four or fire old wooden Tonildings. From 
the yicinitj of the landing two principal roads direrge, one 
bearing northeast to Stockton, the other southeast to Pensa- 
cola. For a mile they run about parallel. They are both 
grayeUy roads, much worn and washed. Pursuing the Stock- 
ton road, it was one mile from the landing to the line of con- 
federate fortifications. 

The Pensacola road winds around on high ground- On this 
road were the ruins of some cottages and a yariety of shrub- 
bery and eyergreens. 

For a mile back from the landing the ground has a general 
rise till it reaches the line of breastworks, where it is about 
sixty feet aboye the water leyel. The surface is uneyen, and 
there are many dells thickly wooded with magnolias, beeches, 
pines, and other trees, and abounding with clear spiings and 
streams. These are its attractiye features. 

The fortifications were constructed in a soil: of semicircle 
around Blakely ; resting on a bluff close to the riyer, at the 
extreme left, and terminating with the high groimd, a few rods 
from the riyer, on the right. The line was neaiiy three miles 
m length, and included nine well-built redoubts — or lunettes. 
The fortifications were thoroughly built, and were armed with 
about forty pieces of artillery. But the ditches were not more 
than four or fiye feet deep. From six to eight hundred yards 
all along the front the trees had been felled — opines on the 
high gi'ound and hard- wood trees in the rarines. Fifty yards 
out from the works was a line of abatis, and opposite some 
of the redoubts was an interior line. Then three hundred 
yards out to the fi-ont, parallel with the works, was another 
line of abatis, and behind the latter were detached rifle-pits. 

The gaiTison of Blakely consisted of French's diyision — ^then 
commanded by Gen. Cockrell — as the left wing, its right extend- 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 123 

ing a little below tlie redoubt sontb of tlie Stockton road. Tho 
troops of that division were veterans, mostly from Missom'i and 
Mississippi. Tlie right wing consisted of Gen. Thomas' di- 
vision of Alabama reserves. There were several artillery com- 
panies to man the guns. The whole garrison numbered about 
three thousand five hundi'ed, and was rmder the command of 
Gen. St. John Lidell. 

On the 1st of April, Lidell instracted Cockrell to make a dash 
on Steele, if he deemed it advisable, and cautioned him, if he 
did so, to use " a small but rehable force." Cockrell was also 
directed to fill the skirmish pits on the entn-e Hue with men 
from his division, for the reason, as it appears, they were con- 
sidered more experienced and reliable than the reserves. But, 
after consultation with Cockrell, this plan was abandoned, and 
Thomas was instructed to supply the advance pits in his fi-ont 
•^vdth his own men. 

INVESTMENT OF BLAKELT. 

The bivouac of the colored division was in plain hearing of 
the guns at Spanish fort, but to the most of those men the 
sound of artillery was not new. The men had lain down, each 
with his gun beside him, the night of the 1st, in a sober mood, 
and rose the next morning in similar spuits, for they were yet 
on slender rations of parched corn. Heavy firing on the picket 
line brought them into line of battle early on Sunday morning, 
the 2d. But before they had moved out, the quartermaster's 
wagons went round with com, and two ears and a " nubbin" 
were dealt out to each man as rations, producing much mer- 
riment. 

Drew's brigade was in the advance, and the picket from the 
Sixty-eighth regiment, under Lieut. Taisey, was down on the 
Stockton road, "\^^len morning broke, the lieutenant could see 
nothing of confederates in his front, and, after consulting the 



124 CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 

ofl&cer of the cavalry detacliment witli him, they concluded to 
venture out for a reconnoissance. They proceeded without in- 
terruption for some distance, and began to thiak they would find 
the way unimpeded into Blakely, when suddenly, from a clump 
of trees near the edge of the slashings, they were met with a 
handsome volley. The firing soon grew brisk, and the confede- 
rate artillery caused them to fall back. 

Then Hawkins moved his division out to close in on Blakely, 
marching obhquely to the right from the Stockton road, through 
a pine forest, with skirmishers deployed. The troops felt that 
they would encounter a veteran foe in his iutrenchments, but 
that reflection neithej lessened the firmness of their step, nor 
the ardor of their resolution. Not a man lagged, but with eager 
strides to the front, they kept the horses of the mounted officers 
on the trot. In the midst of shot, shell, and bullets, they had to 
cross an abrupt, deep, broken ravine, made doubly difficult, by a 
dense tangle of undergrowth. The regimental commanders 
feared that they would come out of it a confused throng. The 
company officers emerged, took their respective distances, still 
moving forward, and the line quickly filled up, and swept along 
as eagerly and collectedly as if no obstruction had been met. 

The first earnest resistance encountered was about a mile and 
a quarter ia front of the confederate left, at a stream which runs 
northwest, through a deep and narrow ravine, and near where 
it debouches into a wooded swamp. The skirmish line then 
consisted of six companies from each of the three brigades. 
Col. J. B. Jones of the Sixty-eighth regiment, was put in charge 
of it, and the maia line halted. A severely-contested skirmish 
combat then took place on gTound which became the extreme 
right of the Federal line of investment. The confederates hung 
along the brow and slopes of the bluff bordering on the swamp, 
and Col. Jones found it no easy matter to dislodge them. They 
were using their artillery vigorously from the redoubts, and a 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 125 

number of the colored division had fallen. Three more com- 
panies from each brigade were sent to reinforce the skii-mish 
line so that it finally comprised twenty-seven companies. In 
course of three hours the confederates were driven back about 
eight hundred yards. Col. Jones established his line in the 
slashings within one hundred and twenty yards of the confede- 
rates' outer liile-pits ; and it remained as the skirmish line on 
the right duriag the siege. Hawkins' loss was about forty killed 
and wounded. Among the mortally wounded was Lieut. Ed- 
ward E. Talbot, a gallant young officer belonging to the Sixty- 
eighth. In the Forty-eighth, four were kiUed and four wounded, 
including in the latter. Col. Crandall, struck by a shell. The 
major of the Ninety-seventh was shot in the foot. Col. Jones 
was conspicuous along the line for bravery and had two horses 
shot under him. 

At half-past eight o'clock, LideU. telegraphed to Maury at 
Mobile, that he thought the Federals were preparing for an 
assault, and that skirmishing was then occurring. He also asked 
for additional artillery.^ 

The Second division marched from Hall's soon after day- 
Hght, and were some distance on the road before sunrise. As 
the soldiers ascended the high ground and looked off to the 
left, over the wooded dells, they could see through the hazy 
atmosphere that the eastern sky was still crimson. It was 
not long before firing was heard at the front. This hastened 
their pace, and they arrived before Blakely at ten o'clock. 

Steele, Hawkins, Lucas, and several other officers, were sit- 
ting upon logs, by the Stockton road where it is crossed by 



1 Gen. LideU to Gen. Ilaury : " Blakely, April 2, 8:30 a. m.— "The enemy 
camped apparently in large force, one mile above us, last night, on the Stockton 
road, and is now engaged skirmishing on the left flank, preparing, I think, for 
an assault or demonstration in force. I need additional artillery, temporarily, 
if it can be spared." 



126 CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 

the road from Sibley's, and about a mile from tlie Blakely 
breastworks ; and were discussing the information that had 
been brought from the front. The fii-ing in HawMns' front 
had abated somewhat, yet still continued. 

It had been Steele's intention to first strike Hollyoak, and 
wait orders. But the want of forage compelled him to go by 
the way of Stockton, which brought him close to Blakely. 
He therefore immediately wrote Canby what had abeady 
been accomphshed before Blakely ; and he was soon after- 
ward instructed to continue the investment. 

Hawkins' left then extended within two hundred yards of 
the Stockton road, but he had a strong picket in the bushes 
close to the road. The Second division was ordered to form 
on the left of Hawkins' division. It had been formed in the 
following order : The Third (Moore's) brigade in line of battle, 
it being in the advan<;e ; and the Second (Spiceley's) in the 
rear, in the shade — ^for the rays of the sun were beating down 
oppressively — in column of division closed in mass. The Sec- 
ond Connecticut light battery was in position on the left of 
the Stockton road, and the Fifteenth Massachusetts on the 
right. All the men in the division were resting. Then before 
advancing any of the troops the commanding officer of the 
division, with some other officers, went to the front to recon- 
noitre. They bore off to the left of the Stockton road in the 
woods, and got within eight hundred yards of the main con- 
federate works, and where they could weU survey the position. 
It was also seen that confederate sharpshooters were numer- 
ously stationed in advanced rifle-pits. The party got within 
two hundred yards of some of these, but by cover of the trees, 
and quick dodging, they escaped being hit. Keturning to the 
line, the One Hundred and Fourteenth Ohio, under Col. Kelly, 
and the Twentieth Iowa, under Lieut.-Col. Leake, were ad- 
vanced as skirm i shers, and moved up on a line with the division 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 127 

on the riglit. The gi-ound they passed over sloped a little 
toward Blakely. It was covered with a thin and small gi-owth 
of pines where the One Hundred and Fourteenth Ohio passed, 
but where the Twentieth Iowa passed the timber was heavier. 
The movement could not be entirely concealed ; and the con- 
federates opened a warm fire of artillery, but it occasioned no 
loss to either regiment. The skirmishers of that regiment be- 
came engaged, and compelled the advanced line of confederates 
to take shelter in their regular line of rifle-]3its. 

About noon, Maj.-Gen. Osterhaus, chief of staff to Gen. 
Cauby, came up from Spanish fort, to take a view of the 
position. 

Later in the day, the Second division was directed to com- 
plete the line of investment to Bay Minette, a distance of two 
miles. Moore's brigade then took position on the left. The 
Twentieth Iowa and One Hundred and Fourteenth Ohio were 
withdrawn at five, P. M., and the line occupied by the Twenty- 
fourth Indiana, Lieut.-Col. Sears, in front of Spiceley's brigade, 
and the Thirty-fourth Iowa, Col. G. W. Clark, in fi-ont of 
Moore's brigade. These were large regiments— the Thirty- 
fourth numbering seven hundred and forty-seven effective, and 
the Twenty-fourth numbering seven hundred and twenty-nine 
effective. Their deployed line, dui'ing the night, occupied about 
two miles. While the Thirty-fourth Iowa was taking position, 
one of its men — Josiah Robinson— was severely wounded in the 
face by a musket-ball, which shattered both of his jaws and 
tore out nearly all of his teeth. During the evening, John 
Hudson, of the Twenty-fourth Indiana, was killed. 

The confederate commander observing troops moving south 
of the Stockton road, and even below the Pensacola road, was 
still more apprehensive of an assault.^ 

1 Lidell to Maury : "April 2. — ^I believe the enemy are preparing to assault 
toy line to-day. Please spare me some light artillery temporarily, and, if pos- 
sible, send it over immediately." 



128 CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 

The same afternoon tlie ground was further reconnoitred by 
officers of the Second division, and also by Gen. Comstock, 
chief engineer on the staff of Gen. Ganby, who had come up 
from Spanish fort for that purpose. 

- That night both divisions commenced intrenching one thou- 
sand yards from the confederate works, but the spades were 
few for so long a line, and the progress was slow. At ten 
o'clock, the commanding officer of the Second division and Col. 
Spiceley were both on the skirmish line of the latter's brigade, 
and moved the skirmishers farther to the front, and pointed 
out where the pits should be dug. The musketry-firing seemed 
to be at close range. It was quite dark. There was a vehe- 
ment fire of artillery, searching the Stockton road and the 
ravine running parallel with, and a short distance south, of it. 
The frequent explosions of shells, like the flashes of lightning 
in a severe storm, tended to blind and bewilder one, if they did 
nothing worse. The confederate artillerists had been specially 
instructed to maintain such a fire as would compel the federals 
to commence their intrenchments a considerable distance off. 
Their gunboats, on their left, also threw shells of large cahbre. 

At eleven o'clock, the commanding officer of the Second 
division, with some of the staff and the Pioneer corps, the latter 
having spades, started to find the advanced line of the Third 
brigade, expecting to strike some part of the main line of that 
brigade on the way. The party crossed the brook, which runs 
over the Stockton road near the confederate works, at a point 
three quarters of a mile from those works, and near where the 
Second division headquarters afterward were fixed. They then 
passed down on the left of that brook, confident of at least 
striking the rear of the Third brigade skirmish line ; but having 
gone fully as far to the front as they expected that hue was, they 
halted. An aide then walked forward a few rods in the darkness, 
but was fired on sharply with musketry, the balls coming in the 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 129 

direction of the party, and from only a very short distance off. 
It seemed then that the fire must be from the confederates, and 
no explanation was sought for in that position ; but the party 
withdrew and made a new start, succeeding better the second 
time, yet finding the Thii'd brigade farther to the left than was 
expected. The aide contended that the firing was from the 
skirmishers of the Thii-d brigade, and that the party had got 
upon their flank. It may have been so, and undoubtedly the 
result would have been different but for the darkness, the rough- 
ness of the ground, and the thickness of the shrabbery with 
which it was covered. The occurrence is mentioned to show the 
difficulties of operations in the night on strange ground; how 
surprises and accidents will obstruct the best intentions, and 
how important it is that orders shall be specific, and lines kept 
well closed. 

9 



CHAPTER XVI. 

SIEGE OF SPANISH FORT— SEVENTH AND EIGHTH DAYS. 

April 2. — Sunday morning opened clear and mild, yet gave 
no pause to the roar of artillery and tlie screeching of sheEs. 
Before the sun rose, some shots were distinguished in the 
direction of Blakely, which very soon increased to a full volume 
of continued musketry and booming of field guns. 

The usual Sunday morning inspection was observed at eight 
o'clock by those of the besiegers not on duty ; the drum-beat 
all along the line, gave the signals ; and afterward were heard 
the cheering strains of the brass bands. When the garrison 
artillerists could do so, they were disposed to blend with this 
agreeable music the explosion of a shell. 

The two left sections of Mack's Eighteenth New York battery 
— ^four twenty-pounder rifles — opened in the morning, in Gran- 
ger's front, four hundred and fifty yards from McDermett. 
Capt. Mack noticed that it was the eighth Sunday his battery 
had been in action. The sections were under the immediate 
command of Lieuts. WiUiams and McConnel. The firing was 
exceedingly hvely and accurate ; and was ably answered by the 
guns under Captain Barnes. SoHd shot and shells hterally 
hailed around Mack's battery, and many of his command 
escaped narrowly. But they all stood up to their work without 
the qaiver of a hp. About eleven, Slocum's Washington artil- 
lery came to the assistance of Fort McDermett, for the latter 
was receiving some heavy blows also from the First Indiana 
eight-inch mortars, and the Massachusetts light guns on Mack's 



CAMPAIGN OP MOBILE. 131 

left and rear. The Wasliington artillery almost enfiladed 
Mack's position, and liurled their hideous projectiles at him 
from eleven o'clock till one in the afternoon. Having no guns 
to bear on them — they being too far to his right he could only 
increase the intensity of his fire on the guns in his immediate 
front. He dismounted . their twenty-four-pounder howitzer, and 
before noon their guns were all silent. But at four, p. M., they 
opened on hinn again, save the twenty-four-pounder. He re- 
turned the fire. The "Washingion artillery again set on him, and 
the combat continued till dark. His works had been struck 
thirty-eight times, during the day ; but none of his command 
were lolled or wounded. Most of the ensuing night was spent 
by his men, repairing the injury to his works.^ 

Fort McDermett had suffered the most. Its parapet had been 
defaced, and an Ylll-inch mortar shell fr'om Lieut. Eaper's 
section of the Fu-st Indiana, had dropped on the carriage of its 
Brooks' rifle, and completely disabled it. 

On the extreme right of the Sixteenth corps, Capt. S. F. 
Craig's battery. A, Sixth Michigan heavy artillery, had four 
X-inch mortars in position, behind a ridge two himdred yards 
fi'om the garrison works ; from which he had a fair enfilading 
range. 

Farther to the right Wimmer's and Cox's thirty-pounders, and 
the other guns commanding Huger and Tracy maintained a 
steady fire. 

Blankenship's four Ylll-inch mortars of the First Indiana, 

began to fire at six o'clock in the mormng, threw one hundred 

shells at Red fort, and then, his ammunition being a little short, 

he ceased tiQ night. 

In Granger's front batteries. No. 2 and No. 5, for heavy guns, 



1 " The night after this the confederate sharpshooters called out to those in 
Mack's front, and inquired what battery it was, and on being informed, replied 
humorously, that they wished it might be taken away. 



132 CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 

were finished, and No. 6 commenced. In the evening, the 
Eighty-first Illinois, Lieut.-Col. Rogers, was relieved from duty 
at Minette bayou, and took position on Oarr's extreme right, 
and extended rifle-pits toward the bay, on a line with the ad- 
vance works of the rest of its brigade, now less than two hun- 
dred yards from the garrison breastworks. 

In the Third division, Sixteenth corps, the casualties were 
only eight killed and wounded, including Capt, C. G. Stetson, 
of the Thirty- third Wisconsin, who was instantly killed by a 
confederate sharpshooter, while superintending the construc- 
tion of the advance line of works. In the Fii'st division, Six- 
teenth corps, the casualties were only four. 

The Navy. — The Octorara had, on the 31st, taken her two IX- 
inch guns aboard, but in the afternoon grounded on the west 
bank of the channel. About noon of the 2d, she opened fire 
on the confederate transport Jeff. Davis, then standing down 
the river for the landing at Spanish fort, and succeeded in 
striking her once, when she turned and steamed up the river, 
out of range. After this, transports did not venture to Spanish 
fort in the daytime. 

The Eighth Day — April 3. — The Navy. — -The service devolv- 
ing on the squadron was equally difficult and dangerous. Three 
vessels had now been destroyed, and a number of lives lost, in 
consequence of the thickly-strewn torpedoes. To remove these 
hidden perils, and open a passage for the squadron up the 
channel, details of officers and seamen kept steadily and fear- 
lessly at work. In these duties the Metacomet, Commander 
Pierce Crosby, appears to have taken the lead. 

The process of sweeping for torpedoes was performed in 
boats, by pairs, each one taking the end of a line, to the centre 
of which were attached light weights, and small ropes in loops, 
so they might attach themselves to anything brought in con- 
tact with them upon the bottom. The boats separated a short 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 133 

distance, and then pulled in parallel lines up or down tlie clian- 
nel, dragging the line with its centre upon the bottom. Many 
torpedoes were thus taken up. When one was taken, it was 
dragged upon the marsh and pierced with a rifle-ball or auger, 
to admit water to drown the charge. 

Admiral Thatcher concluded to adopt additional means to 
clear the channel, in the natiu:e of nets to intercept floating 
torpedoes ; and on the night of the 8d, the boats of the Octo- 
rara, with a small boat from the ironclad Chickasaw, got the 
first net across the river, from the wreck of the Milwaukie to 
the flat on the east side of the channel. 

Operations of the Army. — The four X-inch mortars of Com- 
pany K, Sixth Michigan heavy artillery, Lieut. Edward C. 
Beardsley in temporary command of the company, came up 
on the night of the 1st of April, and the mortars were set in 
the rifle-pits till suitable works could be constructed. Their 
position was close to the edge of the bluff, four hundred and fifty 
yards from McDermett, and about the same distance to the left 
of Mack's twenty-pounder battery. But between the first and 
second sections of the Sixth Michigan mortars, was a battery of 
four Ylll-inch howitzers of the Fii'st Indiana which took posi- 
tion there this day. Lieut. Beardsley's first section opened in 
the afternoon in a satisfactory manner in presence of Gen. 
Granger and several other officers, the first two shells being 
dropped directly on the top of the parapet of McDermett. 

Mack's twenty-pounders worried the garrison at different 
times during the day, but the guns of the latter in his front 
continued sUent ; their mortars, however, shelled him consider- 
ably. At three, p. m., the Washington artillery on his right 
again commenced on him throwing shells incessantly to a 
quarter to five, P. M. His works were struck nine times, but no 
serious damage was done. 

Li the front of Gen. A. J. Smith's corps two of the light guns 



134 CAMPAIGN OP MOBILE. 

of the Fourteentli Indiana batterj were taken out of position, 
and two thirty-pounder Parrotts of Hendrick's battery (L, First 
Indiana heavy artillery), under Lieuts. Clary and Benson, were 
put in their place. But the construction of platforms was re- 
tarded by the garrison's sharpshooters. 

Blankenship's battery (B, First Indiana) had been engaged 
through the night in throwing shells into the garrison to dis- 
turb its slumbers. These were thrown at half-hour intervals . 
and during the night and day his men fired one hundred and 
twenty-seven rounds. While a number of these Indiana men 
were standing round their camp-fire, a shell from the garrison 
came over and fell^ in the fire. The men escaped injury 
by quickly dropping upon the ground and rolling down the 
hill. 

The thirty-pounders (Batteries H and K, First Indiana) on Bay 
Minette shore were still engaged actively in drawing the atten- 
tion of Fort Huger from the besiegers' flank, and fired day and 
night. During the day three men of Battery H were wounded — 
J. 8. Holt by a piece of shell seriously, and Gray and Newman 
by splinter slight. 

In the Thirteenth corps front Battery No. 6 was finished and 
occupied by two thirty-pounders of the First Indiana Bat- 
tery (M). Near the extreme left Capt. Bough advanced his 
Vlll-inch howitzer two hundred yards nearer McDermett. 
Four cohorn mortars were put in position under direction of 
Lieut: Sibert, First Indiana. 

An incident occurred in the front of Marshall's brigade which 
well illustrates both the soldier's daring and magnanimity. 
While the Seventh Minnesota was on duty in the advance 
trench in the daytime, a bird came and lit some yards in front 
and between their line and the confederates. Many shots were 
fired at the bird, and it soon dropped to the ground. At this 
Private Wm. Eowe of Capt. Buck's Company D, jumped up 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 135 

over tlie works and ran out in plain sight of the confederates, 
picked up the bird and returned unmolested to his place in the 
trench. 

The toil of the besiegers was incessant and severe. They now 
had only three divisions and one brigade engaged in the siege. 
The second parallel had been opened ; in some places the third ; 
approaches or saps dug and hea"\^ batteries from day to day 
being constructed. It was by no means smooth work; for in 
some places the ground was rocky, in others it was filled with 
stumps and roots, and covered with large logs. The details had 
become so wearing on the men that the officers sometimes took 
the musket and went on duty themselves as sharpshooters while 
the men rested and slept. Besides the works abeady referred 
to, the besiegers had in rear of their first or outer line construct- 
ed bomb-proof quarters. For the most part these were regular 
and sunk in the earth! The pits would hold from three to eight 
men, and so arranged, of course, that the occupants could lie 
down. They were covered over with layers of logs, sometimes 
three thicknesses, over which were from one to four feet of 
earth, varying according to the exposure of their situation and 
the industry of the occupants. 

Among the besiegers the estimate of the strength of the garri- 
son varied from three thousand to ten thousand. The garrison 
at first under-estimated the number of the besiegers, thinking 
they did not exceed ten thousand. 

The casualties in the garrison \\^ere this day reported to be 
eight killed and sixteen wounded. In Carr's division they were 
three killed and nine wounded.^ 



1 " Sunday, April 2 Huger and Tracy very vigorously shelled by the 

enemy's Bay Minette batteries which do some very fine practice. All going on 
as usual at Spanish fort. Enemy steadily advancing against our salients, par- 
ticularly on the flanks of our line. Mortar practice pretty lively on both sides 
at Spanish fort. Making a ti'eadway to the rear of Battery Tracy for commu- 



CHAPTER XVII. 

SIEGE OF SPANISH FORT— NINTH DAY. 

April 4. — Marshall returned with his brigade to his old posi- 
tion on the left of the Sixteenth corps. While in the Thirteenth 
corps front he had advanced the trenches two hundred yards. 
His labor had been - severe. The details were heavy ; each 
regiment furnishing one half its men daily for duty. Three 
companies were on fatigue and two on skirmish duty one day 
and two on fatisiie and three on skirmish the next. 



nication with the city, owing to the danger and diflBciilty of lauding in steamers 
either by night or day at the wharf of Tracy." 

" Monday, April 3. — Shelling of Batteries Huger and Tracy from the enemy's 
Parrott batteries as usual. At Spanish fort the enemy appears to be engaged 
in strengthening his first and second parallels, establishing mortar and heavy 
artillery batteries and makes but little progress in his approaches. Very heavy 
artillery practice toward evening. Continual repairs necessary on our line, 
and the work of extending our left to Bay Minette across the marsh continued 
as the enemy seems to be most vigorous in front of our left." — Diary of a Con- 
federate Officer. 

Gibson to Maury : " April 2, 7:30 p. m. — The eighth day has closed. The 
situation remains unchanged. The enemy in the first day's action succeeded 
in pushing back my skirmish lines at certain points. He continues to erect 
very heavy batteries and is using large mortars. But our losses become 
smaller every day, our ability greater, and the confidence of the officers and 
men grows stronger and stronger." 

Same to Same : " April 3, 1865. — We have laeen thoroughly shelled all night, 
especially by mortars and there is brisk musketry this morning. I never saw 
such digging as the enemy does — ^he is like a mole. He is constructing heavy 
batteries on my extreme flanks that are going to give me great trouble. I wish 
I had more men and guns. We have all been up all night. It is digging all 
night and fighting aU day. Be certain to send more wooden embrasures of the 
patent I requested, iron screens, and the heavy guns." 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 137 

Keturning to his former position Marshall opened a trench, 
from Hubbard's advance parallel toward the left, connecting 
with the works of the Thii'teenth corps, and commenced saps 
to it from the rear line. This advanced line was only a hundred 
yards from the salient of the garrison, Battery No. 3. 

To fill the gap made by the withdrawal of Marshall, Col. Krez 
moved his brigade around to its proper position on Benton's 
left. The ground vacated by Krez was occupied by the Six- 
teenth corps extending its left. 

The brigade of Col. Krez had met with some loss since the 
28th in holding its exposed skirmish line. In the Twenty-eighth 
Wisconsin two had been killed and six wounded ; in the Twenty- 
seventh Wisconsin one had been killed and six wounded ; in the 
Thirty-third Iowa one had been kiUed and four wounded. 

At this time the advance parallels of the besiegers were 
within a hundred yards of the different salients of the garrison 
fortifications. The garrison had also extended counter ap- 
proaches and rifle-pits so that the sharpshooters on both sides 
were within talking distance. 

Forts Huger and Tracy were strengthened by placing bags of 
sand on the parapets between the embrasures, the filled sand- 
bags having been sent down the river in the night on flats. 

In Granger's fi'ont, Battery No. 1, on the extreme left, was 
finished for eight heavy pieces. 

^ "At Huger and Tracy preparations are being made for better protection 
against the enemy's shelling by erecting sand-bag merlons. One X-inch colnm- 
biad temporarily displaced to-day. Sand furnished to Tracy and Huger by 
floating down, at night, flats loaded with filled sand-bags. 

" Mortar firing going on steadily aU day at Spanish fort. The enemy's bat- 
teries are largely increased. The enemy's line now up to within one hundred 
yards of all of our salients. Tremendous cannonading from four, p. jr.. tiU 
seven, from about thirty to forty guns and a dozen mortars on the part of the 
enemy. We reply from nearly the same number. But few casualties on our 
side, not exceeding six or eight all told. One sap-roUer appeal's in front of our 
left centre.'"~Diary of a Confederate Officer. 



138 CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 

In anticipation of the general bombardment that was to com- 
mence at five, P. M., the besiegers' artillery fired but little before 
that hour. The X-inch mortars of the Sixth Michigan, on the 
left, did not, however, entirely neglect McDermett ; and their 
fire was answered. A twenty-four-pounder sheU exploded at 
the entrance of Lieut. Beardsley's magazine, but did no harm. 
Another shell struck among the men while they were at dinner 
down under the bluff, wounding Corporal Perrin, and arousing 
an Irishman's apprehensions for the safety of the coffee. 

Capt. Blankenship's battery (B, First Indiana) fired twenty 
rounds per hour from each mortar from five, A. M., till five, p. m. 
This battery was also disturbed at the dinner-hour. A shell 
came through the captain's tent and exploded, causing, in ; the 
excitement, the dinner to be upset, and " all the queen's-ware 
to be broken — which, however, was but one cup and saucer." 

The two twelve-pounders of Morse's Fourteenth Indiana, 
which had been withdrawn to give place to thirty-pounders, 
were put in position on the extreme right. 

Lieut. James (Battery I, First Indiana) arrived with detach- 
ment, and reheved Lieut. Sibert, acting adjutant, in charge of 
the cohorn mortars. 

The guns of Bay Minette battery were engaged throughout 
the day. 

Capt. Foust having procured a fresh supply of ammunition, 
his battery of steel guns resumed its original position. 

During the day the garrison were quite annoying with their 
cohorn mortars, and troubled the infantry in their advanced 
pits exceedingly. The fire from smaU mortars was troublesome 
on both sides. The Sixteenth corps had made a number of 
wooden mortars, which were also quite effective. Each mortar 
was made of a log about a foot in diameter, sixteen inches in 
length, and of calibre for a four-inch shell. 

Up to and including the 4th of April the loss in the Thir- 



CAMPAIGN OP MOBILE. 139 

fceentli corps was twenty-six killed and one hundred and sev- 
c3nty-seven wounded. 

The Navy. — In the afternoon, the Octorara got afloat and 
resumed fire on Spanish fort with her one-hundred-pounder 
Parrott. 

The Garrison. — Phillips' Tennessee battery, in Red fort 
(No. 4), had suffered so much from the mortar shells, it was 
reheved by Capt. James Garrity's Mobile battery. The effec- 
tive strength of the latter was sixty-seven. It was composed 
of northem-born men, and had participated in the j)i'ominent 
battles of the Southwest, from Shiloh to Nashville. 

The Bombardment. — At this date, the besiegers had in posi- 
tion against Spanish fort, thirty-eight siege-guns (including six 
twenty-pounder rifles, and sixteen mortars), and thirty-seven 
field guns, all of which (seventy-five), with the Minette bay 
battery, against Huger and Tracy, opened fire at five, p. m., and 
continued till seven, p. M. The orders were for each gun to 
fire every three minutes. There was not much response, except 
from the gims of Old Spanish fort. It was a well-sustained and 
grand bombardment. The garrison sought shelter in their 
bombproofs. Clouds of dust rose from their parapets. " The 
earth," says a correspondent, " actually trembled from the effect 
of this mighty fire." Meanwhile, the sharpshooters, in the 
skirmish trenches or pits, kept up their accustomed firing. 

The signal had been given by Mack's battery, the Eighteenth 
New York. That battery fired three hundred and sixty rounds, 
and its works were hit seventeen times during the day. In the 
bombardment there was a premature explosion of one of its 
guns, which mortally wounded Aaron Vosberg, a most excellent 
and gallant young soldier. 

Two thirty-pounder Parrotts, of Capt. S. E. Armstrong's 
battery (M, First Indiana heavy artillery), had taken position, 
eight hundred and fifty yards from McDermett, the preceding 



140 CAMPAIGN OP MOBILE. 

night, and opened fire at tlie signal for the bombardment. 
Their fire was answered with great vehemence by the guns of 
Old Spanish fort ; and the shells of the latter dropped thick 
and fast over the battery of Capt. Armstrong. Once there was 
a pause of ten or fifteen minutes in their fire, and the gunners 
of Battery M were congratulating themselves on the happy 
prospect that they had quit for the day, when they again 
opened with gTeater fury, nor ceased till after it was dark. 

The No. 1 X-inch mortar, of Company K, Sixth Michigan, 
exploded a caisson in McDermett, which produced a loud cheer 
among the besiegers. 

The first section of Hendrick's Battery (L, First Indiana), 
Lieuts. Clary and Benson, opened on Old Spanish fort and Bed 
fort, from Carr's left ; and the second section, Lieut. Parker, 
near McArthur's right, dismounted the columbiad in Bed fort . 
but, not knowing this at the time, the guns continued in the 
same range and destroyed the embrasure. 

During the bombardment, Blankenship's battery threw one 
hundred and sixty shells inside the garrison works. 

Capt. Wimmer observed a transport, loaded with troops, 
approaching from above, but she did not come within range. 

When the bombardment was over, the men received a ration 
of whiskey ; the bands struck up patriotic airs ; and cheers 
echoed and re-echoed from one end of the line to the other. 

There was no enthusiasm, of course, in the garrison ; yet, a 
feehng of rehef and satisfaction. Owing to the art of bomb- 
proofs, they had been hurt less than could have been expected ; 
and they had been spared an assault. Gen. LideU congratu- 
lated the garrison commander on his shght loss. ^ 



1 Lidell to Gibson : '^ April 4 Hope yoii will yet drive away toe 

Yaakee devils, and am delighted that you have suffered so little. Will try and 
get Gen. Maury to send you another Vlll-inch columbiad." 



CHAPTER XYIII. 

SIEGE OF SPANISH FORT— TENTH, ELEVENTH, AND TWELFTH 

DAYS. 

April 5. — At this stage of tlie siege, mortar-shells were thrown 
into the garrison throughout the night at regmlar intervals. A 
ten-inch mortar-shell is a fraction under ten inches in diameter, 
and weighs very nearly ninety pounds. An eight-inch shell is 
nearly eight inches in diameter, and weighs about fifty pounds. 
Some idea can be formed of the noise they produce in explod- 
ing. But although that was calculated to break the slumber of 
the garrison, what was most to be dreaded was their fatal effect 
when they chanced to strike near troops ; for this had been 
experienced in distressing examples. On this day, a ten-inch 
shell, fired from Captain Craig's Company A, Sixth Michigan, 
struck inside the garrison's battery (No. 5, sand-bag battery), 
and went through six feet of earth and three layers of pine-logs» 
hterally burying twenty-six men, of whom one was killed and 
five were wounded. During the previous night, Blankenship's 
battery had thrown fifty-four eight-inch shells inside the garri- 
son works. In course of the day, he fired only six rounds. 
There was a moderate amount of firing by the besiegers' artil- 
lery, but very little from the garrison. The twenty-pounders of 
the Eighteenth New York were engaged nearly all day but were 
not rephed to. Armstrong's battery was not annoyed, and he, 
having been directed not to bring on an engagement without 
orders from the corps commander, his thirty-pounders only fired 
occasional shots. The X-inch mortars of the Sixth Michigan, 



142 CAMPAIGN OP MOBILE. 

ia front of McDermett, were actively engaged, and disabled a 
twenty-four-ponnder howitzer in tliat fort. 

The enterprise of the besiegers on the left was marked, and 
Gen. Gibson was apprehensive an effort would be made to turn 
his right. ^ 

Capt. Barnes (Company C, Twenty-second Louisiana), while 
signalling to his Ylll-inch mortar, in rear of McDermett, the 
effect of his fire, was struck by a musket-baU, and feU severely 
wounded. Up to this time the casualties in his company had 
been three killed and twenty-three woimded; more than half 
its effective strength. 

This day, Gen. Gibson telegraphed Maury that the garrison 
flanks were swept by heavy batteries, that his men were worked 
all the time, and that their lines were thinner than when they 
had fought under Johnston and Hood. He also asked for 
a force of negroes, and said he could make good soldiers of 
them. 2 

From the beginning of the siege, the garrison had been look- 
ing for a diversion in their favor, by FoiTest. But the blow 
struck at his forces by Wilson, and the faU of Selma, were 



1 " At Huger and Tracy operations as usual. And nothing new at Spanish 
fort except an apprehension on the part of Gen. Gibson that the enemy is 
attempting to turn our right flank along the marsh, between Blakely river and 
our extreme right." — Diary of a Confederate Officer. 

^ Gibson to Maury : " April 5. — ^Enemy sweeps my flanks with heavy bat- 
teries, and presses on at all points. Can't you send me a Uttle craft under my 
orders. My line is extended now to the water and in it. My men are worked 
all the time, and I don't believe I can possibly do the work necessary in the 
dense flats on the flanks. Can't you take a look at the situation to-morrow. 
I really can't spare any more men for launches. My men are wider apart than 
they ever were tmder Generals Johnston and Hood. The works not so well 
managed nor so strong, and the enemy in larger force, more active, and closer. 
Can't you send me the detachments belonging to Ector and Holtzclaw. Can't 
you send a force of negroes, with axes. I can make good soldiers of the 
negroes." 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 143 

now well known, and produced a dispiriting effect on tlie gar- 
rison.^ 

April 6, Eleventh Day. — A footway was now finished from 
Fort Tracy over the marsh to Conway's bayou, affording a new, 
but limited communication for the garrison with Mobile. Affairs 
appeared to be gTowing critical, on account of the uncertainty 
and danger of their communications. ^ The artillerists were cau- 
tioned to be prudent of ammunition, to fire only when they saw 
the enemy, and not to answer his artillery. They had to report 
how their ammunition was expended, and make requisition 
every night for what they would need the ensuing twenty-four 
houi's. 

The planting of torpedoes in front of the garrison works, and 
where there appeared most danger of close approach, was 
renewed. The previous night Gen. Holtzclaw had staked out a 
new hne rimning off from Eed fort, intending to withdraw his 
left, and thus materially shorten the garrison line ; but, in course 
of the forenoon. Mack's twenty-pounder rifles swept down the 
stakes with then- fire ; Holtzclaw told Gibson that the besiegers 
had already got the range of his proposed new line, and the 
purpose of occupying it was abandoned. Lumsden's battery on 
the garrison's left was relieved by Perry's Chattanooga battery, 
with one hundred and twenty effective men. 

The Besiegers. — In Granger's front. Battery No. 8, and the 

^ About this date the Mobile Register said : " We suppose it is useless to 
conceal that a Yankee raiding party has dashed mto Selma, before our forces 
were concentrated to prevent it. The result is nothing except the loss of the 
government works at that point." 

2 "At Huger and Tracy nothing new. A good communication is opened 
with the city from these points by the footway to Conwaj^'s bayou. At Spanish 
fort the enemy are steadily but not rapidly approaching our salients. An 
engineer company is ordered to both Blakely and Spanish fort to commence 
mining operations against the enemy's approaches. Three heavy guns removed 
to Blakely and several mortars, all our operations retarded by the uncertainty 
and danger of communications." — Diary of a Confederate Office)'. 



144: CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 

riglit branch of No. 4, had been finished the previous day. The 
right branch of Battery No. 8, was finished the 6th. 

There was but little artillery firing dui-mg the day. Granger 
ordered the two thirty-pounders of Capt. Armstrong's battery 
(Fii'st Indiana) to be brought to bear in an enfilading fire upon 
the garrison's rifle-pits in front of Eed fort. The embrasures 
not admitting of this, Armstrong proposed to move one of his 
guns out on open groimd some yards to the left, whence 
there would be good range. After some hesitation, permission 
was given him to do this. Fifteen rounds of case shot and shell 
were fired on the pits, causing the confederate sharpshooters to 
scamper out of them, before night, and several shots were fired 
during the night. When the gun was taken out a continued fire 
on the gunners was kept up by sharpshooters in front of Mc- 
Dermett, but they were about eight hundi-ed yards off, and in- 
flicted no injury. Meantime, a rope was attached to the trail of 
the gmi, and men placed in readiness to haul it into the works 
in case the garrison guns opened upon it. 

Blankenship's mortars (Company B, First Indiana) fired only 
five roimds during the day. Capt. Richard Campbell (Battery 
I, First Indiana) assumed command of three twenty-pounders in 
McAi'thur's front. 

Wimmer withdrew his four gTins fi'om Minette bay battery, 
and moved to works in front of Blakely. While withdi-awing, 
there was a heavy fire on the battery from the confederate gun- 
boats. 

There was no interruption, of course, of work in the trenches. 
On the left, the Twenty-third Iowa and Ninety-fourth Illuiois 
were in the front, and established a new line, taldng some rifle- 
pits, in which were found three confederates, dead. 

The casualties were hght. In A. J. Smith's corps there was 
one killed (in Eleventh Missouri), and eight wounded. 

In Hubbard's brigade, McArthiu-'s division, suspicion was ex- 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 145 

cited during tlie afternoon that tlie garrison was evacuating. 
Whereupon Lieut. Jules Capon, of the Ninth Minnesota, a 
brave and enterprising officer, with a detail of a dozen picked 
men from his regiment, was directed to reconnoitre the garrison 
works as soon as it should become dark. He succeeded in 
getting his men through the abatis and to the ditch of Red 
fort, without arousing attention, and remained there long enough 
to become satisfied the works, were still occupied in force. In 
withdrawmg, he was fired upon, but uone of the party were hit. 

April 7 — Twelfth Bay. — The Navy. — On the night of the 
5th, the channel had been swept with chains bj a couple of 
tugs. At five, A. M., of the 6th, the gamboats steamed up and 
anchored close to the torpedo net, five thousand one hundred 
and seventy yards from Spanish fort ; did not open fire, how- 
ever, on account of the presumed exposed condition of the land 
forces in then- advanced rifle-pits. But on the morning of the 
7th, the flagship signalled the Octorara to fire, which she did. 
The fire was continued at intervals during the day, the supply 
of ammunition not admitting of constant firing. 

In Fort Huger, a twelve-pounder howitzer was dismounted ; 
and the elevating screw of a X-inch columbiad on bombproof 
was shot away, disabhng it, by a ten-pounder rifle of the Bay 
Minette battery. 

At Tracy the sand-bag additions to the parapet progressed, 
and a telegraph was started direct to Mobile. In Spanish fort 
Capt. Slocum ("Washington artillery) had got his disabled 
columbiad repaired and in position. The garrison experienced 
increasing danger from the besiegers' enfilading batteries, and 
constructed additional traverses and bombproofs for cover. 
Cheveaux-de-fi-iese were also prepared, and at night placed in 
front of the more damaged and exposed parts of theu" works. ^ 

1 " Priday, April 1. — At Huger and Tracy the work of constructirT.s? merlons 
progressing, and a telegraph Une commenced from Tracy direct to Mobile. At 

10 



M6 CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 

The strength of tlie garrison on tlie morning of April 7, was 
as follows : 

Gibson's brigade (aggregate present) 674 

Ector's " " 659 

Holtzclaw's " " ....988 

Artillery " 506 

. . Total 2,827 

Number of small arms 2,047 

The Besiegers. — The infantry were busy still in advancing their 
approaches ; and the sharpshooting on both sides from the 
advance rifle-pits rendered it unsafe for a man's head to be 
exposed there for a moment. In the morning there was a sharp 
struggle on the left to hold the position which had been gained. 
The besiegers now used embrasures made of heavy split plank 
which were set into the parapets, and under the angle of which 
fchey fired. The confederates also used wooden embrasures ; 
but they were made of boards and covered over with the earth 
of the parapet. The men called them " Beauregard screens." 

Among the batteries already finished in the Sixteenth corps, 
was one for two thirty-pounders taken from the Milwaukie, and 
manned by some of her crew. 

A one hundred-pounder Parrott under Lieut. Compton, Bat- 
tery K (First Indiana), with detail of twenty men, was put in 
Minette Bay battery. 

Spanish fort unusual activity on tlie part of the enemy's sappers. Hie ap- 
proaches on our right are made by a succession of close parallels without 
boyaux ; and on our left and centre he has gained from thirty to forty feet 
since yesterday. A new battery is established enfilading a portion of our left 
and taking our centre in reverse, which with the constant mortar firing on this 
portion of our line proves to be very annoying. Our troops attempt to remedy 
this by making additional traverses aud bombproofs, and cheveaux-de-friese 
are placed in front of the exposed and damaged portions of line to protect 
against any attempt at a coup-de-main." — Diary of a Gonfederaie Officer. 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 147 

In tlie Tliirteentli corps two more batteries, for siege guns, 
were finished, and tlie guns put in position. Lieut. Stamper, 
Battery B, moved his two Vlll-inch mortars, with success, a 
thousand yards to the right, to obtain better range of Ked fort. 

During the day the artillery firing was very hght. In the 
afternoon there was a. heavy fall of rain. The besiegers were 
getting ready for another grand bombardment ; and the garrison, 
since their arsenal at Selma had been destroyed, felt the need 
of economizing ammunition. 

An artUlery officer put down in his diary the following : " The 

siege progresses splendidly. How different from . There 

it was charge ! charge ! charge ! Here a httle more good sense 
is shown, and a regard had for human life ; and the end ap- 
proaches much more rapidly." 

The Hospital. — Each corps had its hospital situated two miles 
to the rear. They were amply supphed and well administered. 
As fast as was practicable, the patients were sent in steamers 
to the general hospital in New Orleans. For instance, on the 
evening of March 31, one hundred of the federal wounded, 
including three officers, arrived at New Orleans, on the steamer 
N. W. Thomas, under charge of Surgeon Humeston, assisted by 
Surgeon Hagy. 



CHAPTER XIX. 

SIEGE OF SPANISH FORT— THIRTEENTH AND LAST DAT. 

Saturday, April 8. — Thirteenth Day. — On tlie mommg of 
the 8tli, Generals Gibson and Holtzclaw were of the opinion 
it was time to evacuate. But Lieut. -Col. Williams, who had 
been chief of artillery- in Stewart's corps, expected to finish a 
battery for four twelve-pounders, on Holtzclaw's left, to enfilade 
the besiegers' left, and expected to have the gains in position 
the ensuing night. It was, therefore, concluded to hold on 
another day, to give Wilhams an opportunity to try his battery 
Meantime, orders were given for all the garrison artillery to 
open vigorously at four, P. M. In view of the close approach of 
the besiegers, steps were also taken to have additional torpedoes 
planted. 

The Navy. — In the afternoon the guns of Old Spanish fort 
opened on the boats of the squadron that were sweeping the 
channel for torpedoes. The Octorara then resumed her effect- 
ive fire with the one-hundred-pounder Parrott. 

The Besiegers. — In the Thirteenth corps, Battery No. 12, for 
three siege guns, was completed. There had now been con- 
structed in this corps, besides the batteries, ten thousand five 
hundred yards of parallel and sap. 

In Bertram's front the works were carried to within one 
hundred yards of McDermett. 

McArthur's division of the Sixteenth corps had constructed 
three thousand nine hundred and seventy-five yards of parallel, 
and two thousand and thirty-five yards of sap besides two bat- 



■■■•i'. 



;:ii,i I'''; 




) <^ '^ -^ 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 149 

teries for heavy giins. Hubbard's brigade of that division had 
approached nearest to the garrison works, the head of the sap 
from his second parallel being only sixty yards from Ked fort. 

Carr's division, in addition to work on parallels and saps, had 
done most of the work of batteries for about fifty guns, in- 
cluding mortars. In his front the siege had been pushed, as 
everywhere else, with unceasing vigor and industry. There 
were two well-defijied parallels, and some work done on the 
third ; four approaches or saj)s, two of which admitted of artil- 
lery passing under cover ; and in front of Moore's brigade there 
were two approaches extending within a hundi'ed yards of the 
main works of the garrison. On Carr's right flank, across the 
swamp, a gabion work had been extended by carrying earth 
from the high ground, affording cover to sharpshooters, a hun- 
di'ed yards from the garrison's left. 

There were now in position in the Minette bay battery four 
thu'ty-pounder and two one-hundred-pounder rifles ; against 
Spanish fort, fifty-three siege guns (including nine twenty-pound- 
er rifles and sixteen mortars) and thirty-seven field guns (the 
Seventh Massachusetts was withdrawn and moved to Blakely) : 
total ninety-six guns. Four siege rifles and five siege ho^udtzers 
on the left centre enfiladed the garrison's centre and left ; and 
four siege howitzers close in on the extreme right enfiladed their 
centre. 

A bombardment, which proved to be the final one, opened 
fi'om all these guns at half -past five, P. M., and continued till haK- 
past seven, p. m. The twenty-pounders of the Eighteenth New 
York, Capt. Mack, again fired the signal. 

Gen. Canby was intending to assault the garrison's works the 
following morning at eight o'clock. But the corjDS commanders 
had received instructions, when the investment commenced, to 
push forward the works as fast as consistent with due care of 
the men, and to take advantage of every opportunity that 



150 CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 

promised successlul and decisive results, but not to attempt an 
assault without that assiu'auce. 

Before the bombardment commenced the besiegers took the 
precaution to double the force of theii" sharpshooters and the 
reserves. 

The garrison having arranged for a general artillery fire, 
opened before the bombardment was commenced by the be- 
siegers. 

Mack haA-ing given the signal, directed his fire principally 
against McDermett. The shot and shell fi-om the latter came 
against his battery tliick and fast. His works were struck at 
least fifty times, but not one of his men received even a scratch. 
Eiffht onus were beinj? fii'ed from McDermett, Earher in the 
day, one of Capt. Mack's gims had done splendid execution 
on Eed fort, in knocking away two of its embrasiu-es, and a 
solid shot struck down an oflicer at a distance of three fifths 
of a mile. 

The four thirty-pounders of Capt. Armstrong's battery (M, 
First Indiana^, each fired every haK-minute. The section of 
his battery near tlie right of the Thii'teenth coi-ps, had been 
much annoyed by the garrison's sharpshooters, and one of the 
cannoniers, Private "Wm. H. Sparks, was badly wounded in the 
forehead. 

I^p to five o'clock in the afternoon, Capt. Blankenship's mor- 
tars had fired forty rounds. Diu'ing the bombardment they 
fii-ed one hundred and twenty roiuids. 

The batteries of Bough, Cox, and Hendricks, were doing good 
service. Tlie latter had one man wounded. In Cox's battery 
four were woimded. It has been seen that the gi-eater part of 
tJie First Indiana heavy artillery was engaged in the siege. 
The regiment was under the command of. Col. B. F. Hays, who 
was assisted diu"ing the siege by Maj. James M. Connelly, in 
fi'ont of tlie Sixteenth coi-ps, and Maj. J. W. Day, in fi-ont of 



CAMPAIGN OP MOBILE. 151 

tlie Tliii-teentli coi-ps. During tlie siege, Battery B expended 
five hundred and seventy rounds of ten-inch shell, and six hun- 
dred and thirty-nine of eight-inch shell ; C, two hundred and 
eighty-six rounds ; H, seven hundred and one rounds ; I, four 
hundi-ed and eleven rounds ; K, seven hundred and twenty 
rounds ; L, six hundred and forty-three rounds ; M, four hun- 
di'ed rounds. 

The fire of so many large guns, and the loud explosion of 
shells, produced one of those sublime scenes which seldom 
occur-, even in the grandest operations of war. There is 
scarcely anything in the phenomena of nature to w^hich it 
could be compared ; certainly not the distant murmur of 
the thunder, nor its near and startling crash. Yet, in moun- 
tain storms may have been witnessed a scene to which this 
grand commingling of many thunders forms some comparison. 
It is when a storm having risen, the dark clouds seem to lin- 
ger on the mountain-tops, and from all quarters of the heavens 
the awful bolts burst forth simultaneously. 

ASSAULT. 

Gen. Carr having pushed his works on the right about as 
close to the garrison works as practicable, concluded to take 
advantage of the cannonading, and carry, by assault on their 
flank, some two hundred yards of the confederate left, and gain 
a crest covered with a gTOve of pines. The possession of that 
point he rightly judged would give him a commanding position 
for a battery, and afford an effective fire in reverse on their 
works by infantry. 

Ector's brigade, in his fi'ont, comprised the Ninth, Tenth, 
Fourteenth, and Thirty-second Texas regiments, and the 
Twenty-ninth and Thuiy-ninth North Carolina regiments. 

Aiter the bombardment had commenced, and at about six 
o'clock, Col. Geddes, commanding the brigade, went to Lieut.- 



152 CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 

Col. Bell, tlien commanding the Eiglitli Iowa infantry volun- 
teers, informed liim that Gen. Carr and himself had concluded 
to advance two companies on the crest of the hill, well up to 
the confederate works, as a picket guard, and that they could 
inti'ench themselves during the night. He instiiicted Col. Bell 
to accomplish this in any manner he chose, but to be particular 
to keep his regiment behind the gabion work, which was on the 
right, across the swamp. Col. Geddes inquired how long it 
would take him to get ready and commence the advance of the 
two companies, so that he could return to the lifle-pits and 
direct the fire of the brigade, and attract the attention of the 
garrison forces in his front. Col. Bell replied, "Fifteen min- 
utes ;" yet he had nearly a quarter of a mile to go, the compa- 
nies to select, and arrangements to make. At ten minutes past 
six, his regiment was in position behind the gabion work. Com- 
pany A, Capt. Hemy Mulis commanding, and Company G,; 
Lieut. Hemy Yineyard commanding, were selected for the 
advance, and both companies promptly moved around the right 
of the gabion work, and gallantly deployed forward on the 
centre, Capt. Muhs commanding the line of skii-mishers. They 
had neaiiy one hundi'ed yards of ground to pass over before 
reaching their objective point, the most of which was wet and 
soft, and covered thickly with fallen trees. Col. Bell accompa- 
nied them till he was satisfied they would gain the desii'ed po- 
sition, when he retm-ned to the balance of the regiment behind 
the work. But his little assaulting party encountered obstacles 
at every step. Even if they did not pause to fii'e, their progress 
could not be rapid, and the Texas troops, from behind their 
works, were on the alert, and resisted them with as sharp a 
musketry-fii-e as was in their power. About the time the move- 
ment commeueed, a cheer was given by the rest of the division 
to give the impression that a general assault was intended, and 
to draw attention from the real point of attack. This made the 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 153 

Texas troops only the more emiilons to hold their groimd.. and 
their fire gi-ew more intense and deadly. They could also per- 
ceive too well its effect — ^for a number of the gallant young men of 
the Eighth had already fallen. The remainder of the party had 
about come to a pause, and were sharply engaging the Texans, 
yet with disadvantage. . Col. Bell then took the resj)onsibihty of 
sending forward Company H, Lieut, Ball commanding, to their 
support. And feeling anxious about the fate of those in front, 
and his regiment, on account of the low position they occupied, 
not being able to cover them at all with their fire, he sent 
Lieut. Clark, of Company E, to Col. Geddes, for |)ermission to 
advance with the balance of his command. The latter, behind 
the gabion-works, could see the contest their comrades were 
engaged in, and were eager to rush forward to their assistance. 
Col. Bell feared that the assaulting party, if unsupported, would 
finally be driven back, in which case they would be almost anni- 
hilated. Li a few moments, therefore, after Lieut. Clark had 
started off, he ordered the remainder of the regiment forward 
over the gabion-work, crossing himseK in the centre, and each 
wing closing in and following him over, a few at a time. AiTiv- 
ing on the ground held by the advance companies, it was found 
to be too hot a place to stop at with safety, and so, with his 
gallant command, he charged over the confederate works with- 
out halting. The resistance was so vehement that his men had 
to engage the Texans sharply before forming, and they were, of 
course, in much disorder ; but there was no hesitating and no 
flinching. Col. Bell now noticed that a mortar-battery in his rear 
was bursting shells just over him, not knowing who he was. 
Some one happily suggested to him to plant the regimental colors 
on the ca]otured parapet, which was done, and he also waved his 
hat for the battery to throw its shells farther up the line. A num- 
ber of the Eighth had fallen before reaching the gamson works. 
Early in the assault, Hemy Vineyard, first lieutenant, Companij- 



154: CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 

G, was struck in tlie left arm by a musket-ball; but hardly noti- 
cing it he pushed on. Near the crest of the hill his left thigh 
was fractured, and it proved to be a mortal wound. Some of 
his comradc3 gathered around him, but he said : " Pay no atten- 
tion to me, boys — move on." 

Col. BeU sent information to Col. Geddes of his success, and 
requested support. But it was dark and his regiment had been 
engaged an hour before any assistance came. 

Meantime, the musketry fire was intense. For the rest of 
Carr's division was maintaining a constant fire from their front, 
partly as a diversion to the assault. At a distance the sound 
was terrible. It seemed as if the contestants were grappling 
in a close death struggle. And they were. 

On entering the works the Eighth Iowa became furiously 
engaged with the Texas and North Carohna troops, and many 
feU on both sides. But the Eighth kept forming as they fought ; 
and rushing closer and closer upon their adversaries finally 
made them yield. Those who could not escape they captured. 
Such was the clamor of the firing on all parts of the line, that 
this combat, sharp as it had been, was hardly discernible by 
those not engaged in it. Hence those of the Texans next on 
the right, being in detached pits, were surprised when the 
Eighth Iowa advanced upon them. There were from four to 
a dozen of them in a pit. The pits were deep and a few yards 
apart. Detachments of the Eighth rushed eagerly upon them 
demanding their surrender. Some of them compHed. But 
there were many who refused, even when the bayonet was at 
their breast, and the muzzle of the musket at their head. They 
fought to the last moment, and then, with the words, " I never 
will surrender" on their hps, met death in a fearless manner. 
Some were taken prisoners who were less noble and brave, 
for, after being ordered to surrender by the men of the Eighth, 
they would first fire on them, and then throw up both hands 
a ad surrender. 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 155 

Lieut.-Col. Bell, with liis command, captured about tliree 
hundred yards of the confederate works, three stand of colors, 
and three hundred and fifty pidsoners. 

The loss of the regiment was five enhsted men killed, three 
commissioned officers and seventeen enhsted men wounded, 
some mortally. The officers wounded were Capt. F. P. Ket- 
lenring, Company B ; Lieut. Henry Vineyard (mortally), and 
Lieut. Spencer Smith, Company A. 

Entering the garrison works alone, maintaining there a severe 
struggle, and, finally, in a victorious manner, sweeping along 
the rear, capturing works and prisoners, was a daring and 
romantic exploit, and justly entitles the Eighth Iowa to bril- 
hant distinction. It was an achievement which called forth 
and well illustrated the best elements of soldiership. 

It was some time after dark before any regiment came to 
Col. Bell's support. The first troops that entered the works 
after him was the Eighty-first Illinois, Lieut.-Col. Eogers com- 
manding. It had three men wounded in the engagement that 
evening. Next followed the One Hundred and Eighth Illinois, 
Col. Turner, and the One Hundred and Twenty-foiu'th Illinois, 
Col. Howe. Each of these regiments, and their commanders, 
did all that was required of them in the action, in a gallant 
manner. Col. Geddes, the brigade commander, also came up, 
and apprehending an attempt on the part of the garrison to 
recover the works which had been captured, placed Lieut.-Col. 
Bell, with the Eighth Iowa, outside of the gaiTison works, 
fronting toward them. About the same time he placed CoL 
Turner, of the One Hundred and Eighth Illinois, in temporary- 
command of all the troops of his brigade j)resent. 

As soon as Gen. Carr had learned the success of the Eighth 
Iowa, he gave orders for a line of rifle-pits i to be thrown up at 
the extent of the ground taken, and pei-pendicular to the garri- 
son works. And the work was commenced. 



156 CAMPAIGN OP MOBILE. 

Carr then hastened to the naval battery, where were Gens. 
Canby and A. J. Smith, and mformed the commanding general 
what had been done ; and he was ordered to follow up the 
advantage gained as far as possible. 

In the mean time, the firing had been very sharp on the other 
flank in front of McDermett. The Nineteenth Iowa were in the 
advance rifle-pits, and their fire and that of the batteries had 
about silenced the guns in that work. The garrison was then 
so much pressed that Col. Bruce was apprehensive of an attack 
to drive him back, and he had ordered bayonets to be fixed. 
Pretty soon the Twenty-third Iowa, Col. Glasgow, came up to 
the front on the double quick, and Bruce then expected an 
assault was to be made. 

As soon as Gen. Gibson learned that the line had been broken 
on his left, he directed Gen. Holtzclaw to have it restored ; but 
he was informed by the latter that the Texas brigade was 
doubled up, and in confusion, and that the attacking force 
was too strong to be driven back. These officers then had a 
hurried consultation, and determined it was best to evacuate. 
But to render this safe it was necessary, of course, that they 
should hold Carr's division in check ; and reinforcements were 
sent as soon as possible for that purpose. 

The Eighth Iowa was first brought to a stand by Coleman's 
North Carohna regiment and a detachment of garrison (or pro- 
vost) guards, commanded by Lieut. A. G. Clark, of Gen. Gib- 
son's staff, and Lieut. Holtzclaw, aide to Gen. Holtzclaw. This 
force formed perpendicular to their main works. Its strength 
was between two hundred and three hundred, and must have 
felt it w-as confronting superior numbers. Nevertheless they 
realized that the safety of the garrison depended upon their 
valor, and also that it was perilous to remain there on the defen- 
sive. A charge was ordered and attempted. But Carr's ad- 
vance remained steadfast, except that a few skirmishers were 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 157 

driven back, and the charge repulsed with loss. The two aides, 
rallying their men, led them forward with a dauntless spirit. 
Lieut. Clark was killed; Lieut. Holtzclaw, severely wounded. 
It was this bold front that enabled the garrison safely to 
escape. 

Col. Zacharie, commanding Twenty-fifth Louisiana infantry, 
had now come up Tvdth some sixty men of his regiment. He had 
left his position near McDermett and had double-quicked to Gib- 
son's headquarters, and thence out to the left, with instructions 
to do what he could to restore the Hne. He first formed, with 
his left covering the treadway, and his right thrown forward, and 
soon afterward advanced. In a short time he sent foi'ward a 
few men as scouts to reconnoitre, but they returned saying they 
could see nothing of the federal line. He sent others but with 
no better success. In about an hour and a half he sent forward 
a captain, one sergeant, and two men from the Twenty-second 
Louisiana, telling them to go till they discovered the federal luie. 
They went but were captured. The ground in front of the fede- 
rals was thickly covered with timber and underbrush, and cut 
by deep ravines. It being also dark, it was natiu'al that they 
should be cautious and make sure of the advantage already 
gained. 

Gibson was withdi'awing his forces on the treadway across the 
swamp. This treadway extended out to the river at Fort Hu- 
ger, where the garrison crossed over in boats and embarked as 
fast as possible on transports. But the treadway was only two 
feet wide, and the passage over it was slo"\^. Moreover, to pre- 
vent noise, the troops took off their shoes and stockings and 
walked barefooted. 

The pui-pose of evacuating was cautiously imparted and went 
round to the officers in a whisper ; for it was apprehended some 
of the trooj)s would loudly object. The first movements, there- 
fore, were in the nature of a feint. When the right wing left 



158 CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 

tlieir quarters, laany of the men thonglit they were going to 
reinforce the left. 

At about nine o'clock, Capt. Garrity sent in a requisition for 
ammunition. The heutenant brought back a handful of spikes 
to spike the guns. He and his command left an hour after- 
ward. Between ten and eleven, Gen. Holtzclaw informed Col. 
Zacharie that he was evacuating, and to exercise his discretion 
as to when he would withdraw. In a short time after Zacharie 
withdrew as rear-guard, with the Sixteenth Louisiana, Lieut. 
Col. Lindsay, who had made the charge the morning of 27th 
March, as rear-guard proper. 

Before their final departure, however, a party of these troops 
had gone up to within fifty yards of CaiT's advance, and on 
receiving a volley fell back and were seen no more. During the 
evening one of the confederate parties that charged Carr's ad- 
vance, came up within thirty yards calling out "we surrender," 
and then fired. The Eighth Iowa fired on them and fixed bayo- 
nets, at which they faced about and ran rapidly back. 

Soon after the Eighth Iowa made a lodgment, Carr had 
ordered Col. Moore to leave three hundred men in the trenches 
and with the balance of his brigade move round to the right to 
reinforce Geddes' brigade. After having made this movement, 
Moore set the Ninety-fifth Illinois, Col. Blanding, to o]3ening a 
road through the abatis and works for troops and artillery to 
pass ; it being the general impression that the garrison's left 
was withdrawn merely to an interior line. He also posted the 
Thirty-third Wisconsin so as to flank the confederates should 
they attempt to change their supposed front. 

At nine o'clock, perceiving that Geddes' brigade had not 
developed this supposed new line of the confederates, on his 
own responsibility he moved back to his old front. Then, 
by his directions. Major James, Seventy-second Illinois, with 
the three hundred men who had been left in the trenches 



CAMPAIGN or MOBILE. 159 

cliarged the garrison skirmisliers remaining in tlie advance pits, 
unconscious of the evacuation, and captured them easily. Moore 
then moved the balance of his brigade over the main works. 

About the same time Ward's brigade captured the garrison 
slrirmishers in its front. Some of the latter called out, "Don't 
shoot, Yanks, we are coming in." And they were as good as 
their word. 

Moore soon wheeled to the left, charged along the garrison 
works in reverse and flank, and captured a number of prisoners, 
and kept on till he got to Old Spanish fort where a few more 
prisoners were captured. Learning there from a prisoner how 
the garrison had escaped, he, with the Thirty-third Wisconsin, 
hastened down to the foot-bridge but was too late to accom- 
plish anything. 

Geddes mth his brigade reached Old Spanish fort between 
eleven and twelve, and the men being tired after so much watch- 
ing and fighting, arms were stacked and they were allowed to 
rest. 

There was now a scramble for the hams and corn-meal left 
by the garrison ; and especially was there a scramble for pos- 
session of the captured guns. 

At midnight, the Octorara aimed a hundred-pounder shell 
at Old Spanish fort, and although it went some distance beyond, 
the troops thought it prudent to change their position for the 
present. After leaving proper guards over the captured prop- 
erty, Carr's division retiu'ned to their quarters, having in their 
possession between four hundred and five hundred prisoners. 
It had done a splendid day's work. 

As soon as Gen. Canby was informed of the lodgment made 
by the Eighth Iowa, he sent notice of the fact to Granger, 
who at once communicated the agreeable intelhgence to his 
corps. It produced much enthusiasm. The men cheered all 
along the line. 



160 CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 

The divisions on Carr's left it appears took the confederate 
pickets in their respective fronts. But this was not done till 
after midnight. In McArthur's division, Capt. French, Fifth 
Minnesota, of Hubbard's brigade, having charge of the sharp- 
shooters, captured those in front of that brigade, and was 
followed over the works by the Forty-seventh Illinois, Maj. 
Bonham commanding. McArthur's di^dsion captured one com- 
missioned officer and forty-nine enlisted men. 

The ground in front of the confederate main works was con- 
siderably mined with torpedoes — or as they were called, svh^ 
terra shells. Marshall's entire brigade, of McArthur's division, 
moved into the fort b.efore dayhght. There were some confed- 
erate dead, then, to be seen in their front lying upon the ground. 
Of these one appeared to have been killed by a musket-ball 
while planting a toipedo. Close by him was a spade ; also a 
torpedo planted about two feet in the ground, but not yet cov- 
ered. They buried him there with it. 

In front of Day's brigade, Benton's division, Capt. Shepherd, 
Company F, Ninety-first Illinois, had charge of the skirmish 
line, and hearing the shouts of Carr's division entered the works 
in his front unopposed, with a detachment of the Ninety-first 
and the Fiftieth Indiana. In the brigade front of Col. Krez a 
detachment of his brigade first entered under Maj. Boydston, 
of the Thirty-third Iowa, and on the extreme left, at about 
midnight. Col. McNulta with the Forty-ninth Illinois entered 
McDermett capturing the picket in front, and soon after had 
the colors raised over that heavy work amid the loud cheers of 
the dehghted men. 

The siege of Spanish fort was at an end. About five hundred 
prisoners and aU the artillery, nearly fifty pieces, captured. 
Bertram's brigade was ordered to remain, and garrison Spanish 
fort, with instructions to collect and take charge of the ord- 
nance and other property. All the rest of the infantry, and 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 161 

most of the artillery, were ordered to moye immediately to 
Blakely. 

In the Thirteenth coi'ps the loss had been : in Benton's 
division, sixteen killed, one hundred and sixteen wounded, 
twenty-seven captured, and one missing in action — total, one 
hundred and sixty ; in Bertram's brigade, about eighty, killed 
and wounded. 

In McArthur's and Carr's di"vdsions of the Sixteenth corps, 
the entire loss, in the siege, was twenty-six killed, three hun- 
dred and nineteen wounded and captured. 

As soon as Gen, Canby knew of Carr's assault, he telegraphed 
to Gen. Steele, at Blakely, to send down a brigade, to reinforce 
that part of the line. Slack's brigade moved down promptly, 
and reported to Gen. Smith, but the latter sent them back, 
sapng he wanted no assistance. "While this brigade was rest- 
ing, near the shore of Bay Minette, and tlie men were talking 
and laughing, a part of the garrison, in their retreat, were pass- 
ing along on the marsh, not many yards from them, and within 
hearing. 

Retreat of the Garrison.— As, the rear-guard of the garrison 
were stepping upon the treadway, they heard tremendous 
cheering up at McDermett, which must have been soon after 
the Ninety-fourth Ilhnois had entered. Shortly after, they 
heard cheering on the road leading to Blakely, and conjectured 
their victors were already on the march for that place ; but the 
troops they heard must have been Slack's brigade, which started 
back to Blakely soon after midnight. 

There was no httle excitement among the confederates as 
they thronged the marshy bank at the end of the treadway. 
Some shells had passed closely over them fi-om the right of the 
Sixteenth corps, as they had come over the treadway, and the 
jjlace they occupied was commanded by several of the besiegers' 

batteries. Wiad and tide were agaiast them, and they thought 

11 



162 CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 

it "imsafe to use any other vessels than the light-draught 
blockade-runners. Their passage over to Huger was, therefore, 
slow, and thej were stiU huddled on the marshy bank, with a 
prospect of daylight finding hundreds of them still there. At 
this juncture, it being midnight. Col. Lockett, chief engineer, 
proposed to Gen. Gibson that a portion of the troops endeavor 
to make their way up to Blakely through the marsh. Being 
acquainted with the locality, he offered to guide the column 
himself. The suggestion was adopted, and about a thousand 
of the garrison took up the march for Blakely. The distance 
was five miles. The march was difficult, but not so difficult as 
might have been apprehended ; for there are few things the 
soldier's resolution cannot overcome. The route lay through 
mud and water, through marsh grass, canebrakes, or thick 
underbrush, and over bayous. The men often sank down in 
the swamps, and sometimes had to be pulled out by their com- 
rades. It was reported that some were lost, but the better 
opinion is they all arrived safely at Blakely. They reached 
that place at dawn, thoroughly exhausted and presenting a 
singular appearance. In coui'se of the day, they proceeded on 
steamers to Mobile. 



CHAPTER XX. 

OBSERVATIONS ON THE SIEdE OF, SPANISH FORT. 

Gen. Beaiu'egarcl considered it a mistake for the confederates 
to garrison any part of the Eastern shore of Mobile bay. His 
opinion was that Huger and Tracy should have been made self- 
sustaining forts, and that the main garrison should be in Mobile. 
That appears to be the better opinion. 

The object of holding S]3anish fort was to protect Huger by 
preventing the establishment of batteries to bombard the latter. 
But it really could not effect much in that respect, because 
some distance north of Spanish fort, on the shore of Bay 
Minette, the site of batteries actually estabhshed, gims could be 
placed which in two weeks time would have crushed Huger and 
Tracy. 

Nevertheless, there was an advantage to the confederates in 
having Spanish fort. It was a cover whence parties could have 
been sent out to obstruct the communications of the federals, 
and operating as the former could on interior lines they could 
have concentrated a sufficient force there to cause much an- 
noyance. 

This suggests the answer to the opinion expressed by some 
confederate engineers, that it was a mistake in the federal com- 
mander to have noticed Spanish fort at all, they holding, that it 
would have been better for his purpose to have passed those works 
and attempted the destruction of Huger and Tracy, with bat- 
teries on Bay Minette or shore ; or passing all the eastern-shore 
garrisons to have gone round to the confluence of the Tombigbee 



164 CAMPAIGN OP MOBILE. ' "" 

and tlie Alabama, the occupation of Mobile by tlie confederates 
being tlien a question of supplies. Undoubtedly the evacuation 
of Spanish fort could have been compelled by indirect opera- 
tions, yet before the accomphshment of that, was there not too 
much danger to be apprehended to the communications, if an 
enterprising enemy should be left in a strong position on the 
very line necessary to use ? On the 12th April, Gen. Maury left 
Mobile, with four thousand five hundred infantry. About five 
hundred had been captured at Spanish fort, three thousand at 
Blakely, and the killed and wounded must have numbered at 
both places five hundred ; so, that at the beginning of the siege 
his effective force must have been about nine thousand. If an 
opportunity had warranted, this force could, with but little 
trouble, have concentrated at Spanish fort. But it would have 
been dangerous to have had half that force sallying out from 
that garrison. 

The garrison fuUy expected to be assaulted on the 27th of 
March. That was one reason why it was not best to assault. 
The character of the works were not then fully known to the fed- 
erals. Furthermore, there was no pressing necessity nor special 
object to be gained by an immediate assault. On the contrary 
not much would have been gained in time as the army would 
still have been waiting for supplies. As has been seen, some 
portions of the fortifications around Spanish fort were quite elab- 
orate, as also the obstructions in front ; and they had been made 
by skilful engineers. The troops behind them were veterans. 
Ordinary prudence would dictate that the besiegers should at 
least have one hne of works behind which they could fall back 
in security in case of an unexpected accident or reverse. Nev- 
ertheless if a general assault had been ordered on the first day 
or on any subsequent day, there is no doubt it would have been 
successful. And this is the opinion of the garrison officers. 
But it would have been stubbornly resisted, and success would 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 165 

have cost many valuable lives. Tlie best place for tlie assault 
was where it occurred ; for it was the weakest part of the garri- 
son's line. The fact that it was unexpected and the darkness 
probably are the reasons for its not being followed up rapidly 
enough to capture aU the garrison. Gen. Canby had already de- 
termiaed to carry the works by a general assault the next morn- 
ing at eight o'clock, which no doubt would have been a lucky 
hour ; for the garrison commander had cautioned his troops to 
"be prepared for an assault every morning before dayhght, ev- 
ery day at twelve, m., and every evening before dark." An as- 
sault would not have been expected at eight. 

The besiegers and garrison ahke are entitled to praise for con- 
stant industry and for energy. The besiegers had the most 
work to do ; and the works constructed will long remain as evi- 
dence of their willing toil. 

The garrison commander, Gen. Gibson, was competent and 
active, and inspired his troops with enthusiasm. He was highly 
complimented by his superior officers for his conduct during 
the siege. Second to him in command was Gen. Holtzclaw, 
also an accompHshed and earnest officer. In fact the officers 
and troops comprising the garrison were remnants of many 
historic campaigns, and possessed no small share of culture 
and spuit. 

The only neglect which can be cited against the garrison 
was their failure to construct strong and connected works on 
their left down across the swamp. This is where they were 
assaulted. Their works there were disconnected and their 
occupants were captured in detail. More uidustry and care 
there would have enabled them to repulse the attack, or would 
have prevented the attack that was made. 

The garrison displayed uncommon resolution and courage 
in the frequency of its sorties. About a dozen must have been 
made in aU. One was attended with briUiant success. Holtz- 



166 CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 

claw had arranged for two more sorties on the night of the 8th. 
They were intended against the right and left of McArthur. 

It appears that a formal siege of Spanish fort, with heavy 
artillery, was not decided upon till after the investment. Siege 
batteries were then sent for and brought on transports from the 
forts at the mouth of the bay. During the siege the ammuni- 
tion was brought up from Fort Morgan, and the labor of land- 
ing it there was performed by the Sixth Michigan. 

Some experienced confederate artillerists at Spanish fort 
expressed the opinion that the firing of the besiegers' land bat- 
teries was not generally good. While the results of the latter's 
fire must be their justification, it is proper to remark that there 
was some complaint about the ammunition. Col. Hays, com- 
manding First Indiana heavy artillery, states in his report that 
the Hotchldss pattern of solid shot would end over when fixed, 
and that the shells would burst prematurely. The shells, he 
says, were made more effective by emptying out the powder 
with which they were charged and refilling them with sand, and 
then using them as solid shot. 

Ahvays seek an Enfilading Fire. — The engineer operations of 
the besiegers were directed by Gen. Comstock and Col. McAl- 
Hster, and were conducted with skill and energy. Positions 
were soon selected and batteries started whence damaging 
enfilading fire could be delivered ; an object ever to be kept in 
view in the use of all arms. 

Have tJie TrencJies continuous, and Approaches secure. — The 
stumps and fallen trees afforded so much cover to the besiegers' 
skirmishers that even the first or second day they got out some 
hundreds of yards beyond any continuous line of rifle-pits. They 
continued to occupy such advanced positions before approaches 
to them were started ; and were consequently in a very exposed 
situation. The result of this was the loss of a captain and 
twenty men in Benton's front. If, as should have been done, 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 167 

an approacli liad been started and followed close up to the line 
occupied by tlie skirmisliers, tliey could then have retreated 
when so severely shelled, or reinforcements could have been 
sent to them. As it was, they were at the mercy of the gar- 
rison. In a siege, the skirmishers or picket should be but a 
short distance from the. advance line of works, unless they have 
a safe approach from that line to their posts. The loss of 
twenty men in a siege, out of rifle-pits, has much more moral 
effect than the loss of the same number on an open battle-field. 
Scipio is said to have been overjoyed when bo inflicted on 
Cffisar a loss of only twenty-seven men, and that on ojDen 
ground. 



CHAPTER XXI. 

SIEGE OF BLAKELT— SECOND, THIRD, AND FOURTH DATS. 

April 3 — Second Bay of the Siege. — The ground lying between 
the combatants, viewed from a distance, appeared level, but it 
was much cut up by ravines, the sides of which were scalloped 
with numerous and deep depressions. Some of the ravines rau 
parallel with the confederate works, others perpendicular tc 
them, and affording a damaging fire for their artillery. Along 
the bottoms of the principal ravines ran clear and gurgling 
brooks, haK concealed by the luxuriant bushes and vines, and 
the banks of which were marshy. The general elevation of the 
ground was eighty feet above the water, and sixty feet w'as, per- 
haps, the greatest depth of any of the ravines. 

Where the Second division commenced its first line of in- 
trenchments, a thousand yards from the main line of the con- 
federates, the ground was a little higher than that occupied by 
the latter ; and from that position there was a gradual decline 
for three hundred yards toward the front. The ground occu- 
pied by the colored division was about on a level with the con- 
federate works. The position of both divisions was favorable on 
two accounts — ^it was in the woods, and there was an abundance 
of good running water. 

In Hawkins' division the work of intrenchment was con- 
tinued ; but that division suffered considerably from the con- 
federate artOlery, and especially from the gunboats, which, to 
some * extent, had an enfilading fire. Scofield's brigade wsiS, 
held in reserve ; but at night the Fiftieth, Col. Gilchrist, and 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 169 

the Fifty-first, Col. Webber, were sent to tbe front, and the 
brigade commander was there with them till eleven, p. m., when 
the work was ordered discontinued. 

In the Second division, Moore's brigade closed up to the 
right, connecting with Spiceley's brigade ; but between them 
was a wooded ravine, and running stream. The latter was 
bridged during the day, and both brigades made considerable 
progress in the first strong and continuous line of intrench- 
ments. 

Spiceley's brigade was extended two himdred yards to the 
right to connect with Hawkins' division. And in the evening 
the skirmishers of that brigade gained thu"ty yards to the 
front, and established new detached pits. 

The camp of each regiment was close to the first Kne of 
intrenchments, and so arranged a,s to have some natural shel- 
ter of the ground. 

In Spiceley's brigade, the Twenty-fourth Indiana, Lieut.-Col. 
Sears, was on the right. Nest, on the left, were the Sixty- 
seventh Illinois, Col. Busey ; the Sixty-ninth Indiana, Lieut.- 
Col. Perry ; the Sexenty-sixth lUinois, Lieut.-Col. Vifquain. 
In Moore's brigade, the Eighty-third Ohio, Lieut.-Col. Bald- 
win, was on the right, and next the One Hundred and Four- 
teenth Ohio, Col. KeUy ; the Twentieth Iowa, Lieut.-Col. Leake ; 
the Thirty-seventh Illinois, Col. Black ; and the Thirty-fourth 
Iowa, Col. Clark. 

The casualties in the division, were one killed and five 
wounded. Of the latter was Col. Spiceley, who was not, 
however, stopped from his active duties. 

Toward evening, certain movements of the confederates in 
front of Moore's brigade, excited the suspicion of a sortie, 
and Hotchkiss' Second Connecticut battery was sent round to 
the left ; but it did not go into position, and returned to its 
camp, near the Stockton road, at dark. 



170 CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 

Gen. Steele had his headquarters at O. Sibley's. The head- 
quarters of the Second division were moved from near the 
Stockton road to a ravine at a point six hundred yards in 
-rear of the centre of the division. The headquarters of the 
Colored division vp^ere also in a ravine in rear of about the 
centre of the division. 

Veatch's division, of the Thirteenth corps, having received 
orders, at midnight of the 2d, to move immediately to reinforce 
Steele, arrived before Blakely at daylight of the 3d ; and in 
course of the forenoon took position, with a brigade front, 
across the Pensacola road. But Garrard's division, of the 
Sixteenth corps, having also come up from C. Sibley's on the 
3d, went into position on the left of the Pensacola road, a 
thousand yards from the confederate works. Col. Rinaker's 
brigade being on the right. Gen. Gilbert's in the centre, and 
Col. Harris' on the left. Veatch's division was then withdrawn 
and remained near O. Sibley's, as a reserve. 

During the ensuing night, Garrard's division covered its front 
with a line of rifle-pits, and the skirmishers of each brigade 
occupied ground some distance in advance. The Tenth Kansas, 
of Gilbert's brigade, had three men wounded, one mortally. 

In Harris' brigade, the Eleventh Wisconsin supported the 
skirmish line, and kept within fifty yards of it. At eleven, p. m., 
the skirmish line was warmly engaged, and the commanding 
officer of the Eleventh sent forward a company to reinforce it. 
At the same time he received information that the confederates 
had come out of their works, and were flanking the skirmishers 
on the left. He then sent Companies E and G to protect the 
flank. 

The firing continued through the night, but darkness deprived 
it of effect, except to weary both sides equally and hold each 
other at bay. 

During the day the sharpshooters of the confederates main- 



CAMPAIGN- OF MOBILE. 171 

tained a watcMiil fire, and at intervals their artillery was sharp 
and savage. They had ah-eady disabled two guns by firing, 
and the commander sent for more.^ 

April 4 — Third Bay of Siege of Blcikely. — In the Second 
diAdsion, the work progressed on the first and second lines of 
intrenchments, and th^ same was occurring on Hawkins' left. 
In the afternoon, both divisions got a new supply of inti'enchuig 
tools, and the work went on faster. Toward evening, the 
Second division was preparing to advance its skirmish-line. 
Soon after five, the men cheered, on account of the grand 
bombardment of Spanish fort, the mighty clamor of which 
was plainly heard. The shouts from many thousand voices 
made the confederates think that they were going to be as- 
saulted, and at sight of the skirmish-line of Moore's brigade 
they fell back rapidly to an interior line of pits, so that Moore's 
skirmishers, consisting of details from each regiment of the 
brigade, advanced nearly three hundred yards without resist- 
ance. This carried his line out of the woods, and upon a sort 
of plateau on a level with the garrison's main works, and only 
five hundred yards distant therefrom. Intrenchments were 
then commenced on the line thus gained and continued, but 
the work was diffictdt, for there were numerous stumps, and 
the surface was strewn with fallen pines. 

In front of Spiceley's brigade the ground was more earnestly 

1 Lidell to Maury : ^^ April '^. — No change of importance here. ]\Iucli firing 
and some shelling dmring night, upon enemy attempting to establish line of 
skirmish pits." 

Same to Same : "April 3. — Will you send another ' Blakely' gmi, in place of 
one which exploded at the muzzle to-day ?" 

Same to Same : " April 3, 8:45 p. m. — Please send me the Blakely gun as 
soon as possible, as two of the guns on this line have been disabled and sent 
to Mobile for repairs. Enemy made an attempt to establish their picket Une 
on our centre just at dark." 

Same to Same : ''April 3, 8:45 p. m. — Please send me, by first boat, a quantity 
of two-inch plank, oak if possible, to make screens for the guns." 



172 CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 

contested, and his sldrmisli3rs gained only one hundred and 
fifty yards. In making the advance Sergeant J. W. Ficldin, 
of the Twenty-fourth Indiana, exhibited special gallantry. No 
loss was then suffered. Later in the evenining Corporal Haw- 
kins of the Twenty-fourth was wounded. 

In Pile's and Scofield's front of Hawkins' division, the lines 
were advanced about two hundred yards. But that division 
suffered severe loss as well from the gunboats as the sharp- 
shooters and artillerists in front. 

Up to this time no artillery had been used by the besiegers. 
But during the night a sunken battery, with good cover for the 
g-unners, was made on the Stockton road on a line with the first 
parallel, for one of the ten-pounder rifles of the Second Connect- 
icut battery. The gun, with full detachment under Lieut. Gray, 
was put in position sometime after midnight, being hauled a 
quarter of a mile by hand. 

At nine, p. m., Dennis' brigade, of Yeatch's division, moved 
to the front and occupied the ground between the Second divis- 
ion and the Pensacola road connecting with Garrard's right. 

In the morning, Garrard's division advanced its skirmishers 
still farther to the front. In Gilbert's brigade the skirmish hue 
was commanded by Maj, H. S. Bailey, Sixth Minnesota, and in 
the movement two were killed and several wounded. Maj. 
Bailey had a rib fractured by a piece of shell. Lieut. Gresham 
of the Sixth Minnesota was sHghtly wounded. In Harris' 
brigade the Fifty-second Indiana and Fifty-eighth Illinois 
w^ere on the front line, also one company of the Eleventh Wis- 
consia as sharpshooters. Two deserters from the confederates 
came in and were taken by Lieut. Leonard, adjutant of the 
Fifty-second Indiana, to the brigade commander. They related 
that Blakely was garrisoned by three thousand five hundred 
men, and that labor was stiU being done on the works. 

In course of the day. Gen. Steele's chief of staff, Lieut.-Col. 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 173 

Whittlesey, was on the front line, making observations, and com- 
ing to where the Fifty-second Indiana was posted, he advanced 
fifty yards in front of the skirmish hne to an old log building, 
which had been used as a barrack, and chmbed upon the rafters 
to get a good view. Being seen by the enemy, their artillery 
soon opened on him, and shells exploded above and around him, 
and through the house beneath, yet he continued to write in his 
note-book as if nothing was happening, tiU he had finished his 
observations, and then descended and left. 

Lidell reported his loss on the 4th, two killed and twelve 
wounded. 

April 5 — Fourth Day. — At the break of day, just as soon as 
the confederate works could be seen, Lieut. Gray opened with 
the ten-pounder of the Second Connecticut, from the Stockton 
road, firing obliquely at the work immediately south of that 
road, which indeed was the most prominent point of resistance, 
on the confederate line. Thirty rounds were fired before there 
was any reply, then the response was warm. Lieut. Gray con- 
tinued at intervals to fire during the day and battered down one 
of the embrasures of the assailed redoubt. Six confederate 
guns were brought to bear on his snug battery, and the explo- 
sions around it were frequent and close, but hurt not a man. At 
night the damage to the work was repaired. 

Separate batteries for two more of Hotckkiss' guns were being 
built on the left of the Stockton road, and farther to the fi'ont 
than Lieut. Gray's. At night a battery was commenced near 
the right of Moore's brigade, for the Fifteenth Massachusetts. 

In the evening the skirmish line of Spiceley's brigade ad- 
vanced one hundred and fifty yards, and intrenched within 
eighty yards of the confederate rifle-pits, which had a distinct 
Hne of abatis for cover. In front of Moore's brigade the skir- 
mishers were forty yards in advance of the line gained the pre- 
vious evening, making their way as best they could through the 



174 CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 

network of pine logs, and being within one hundred and sixty 
yards of the well-fortified confederate sharpshooters. 

Both brigades now had two well-built lines of intrenchment 
with safe approaches. The men were advancing steadily and 
Sure, and casualties, though generally fatal, were not numerous. 
The whole loss in the Second division during the day was three 
killed and one wounded ; namely, killed ; Sergeant S. G. Harter, 
Sixty-ninth Indiana, Privates C. Grove and "W. L. Johnson, 
Twenty-fourth Indiana ; wounded, Thos. McGoyem, One Hun- 
dred and Fourteenth Ohio. 

In Hawkins' division, on the right, there was an apprehension 
at night of a sortie, and at nine, P. M., the Third brigade (Lieut.- 
Col. Kinsey commanding) of Veatch's division, marched out in 
rear of Hawkins as a reiaforcement. 

In Veatch's front, the Eighth Illinois was on the skirmish- 
line, and had one man wounded. At nine, P. M., it was relieved 
by the Forty-sixth Uliuois, Col. Dornblaser commanding, who 
sent out two full companies as skirmishers. The right of the 
line was then advanced twenty-five yards, to connect with the 
left of the Second division, and the left was carried, forward one 
hundred yards, meeting with httle opposition. 

In Garrard's division, on the left, some advance was made in 
front of Harris' brigade. The Thirty-fourth New Jersey was on 
the skirmish-line ; but the left of that hue was occupied by 
Company E, Eleventh Wisconsin, under command of Lieut. 
McDonald. During the night, the latter officer, with a few 
men, moved forward, across a ravine covered with slashings, to 
open ground, and intrenched a short distance from the con- 
federate rifle-pits, and held his position successfully against 
warm resistance. 

In the afternoon, the position of Einaker's brigade of Gar- 
rard's division was changed from the right to the left, but the 
camps were not moved till the succeeding day. At five, P. M. 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 175 

Maj. Winter, of the Eighty-nintli Indiana, witli five hundred 
men of that brigade, moved down to the left through the woods, 
to complete the investment of Blakely, connecting with the left 
of Harris' brigade, and extending as near the river as practica- 
ble. On that part of the ground the woods extended to within 
four hundred yards of .the right of the confederate works, and 
to a stream running parallel with them, and the banks of which 
were thickly wooded. About opposite the eighth redoubt of the 
confederates, that stream assumes the character of a swamp, 
widening as it approaches the river. It is thickly covered with 
trees, and the water is a foot deep. At sunset, Maj. Winter de- 
ployed one hundred men, six paces apart, and holding four hun- 
dred as reserve, moved to the front. His left passed over a small 
field, and then the line began to descend a hill-side, and was soon 
struggling across the stream and swampy ground. They were 
then greeted by one or two volleys fi'om the brow of the high 
ground, two hundred yards in front of them. They pressed 
on, and emerging from the woods and tangled underbrush, 
came out where the trees had been felled, and began to ascend 
the rise of ground, and reaching the brow, the men on his 
left were within two hundred yards of the garrison's main 
works. Maj. Winter observed that his right did not connect 
with the skirmish line of Harris' brigade, but that he was 
considerably to the left and in advance of it, and being also 
in some danger fi'om the fire of that line, he sent Capt. Hub- 
bard, of the One Hundred and Nineteenth Elinois, to notify 
its commander of his position. Maj, Winter had now gained 
a most important position, it being considerably nearer to the 
garrison works than any other part of the besiegers' line. It 
was, of course, too good a position to expect to hold with ease. 
A fire of artillery and musketry was opened on him, and, un- 
fortunately, he ordered a retreat. He withdrew his line over 
the stream, and commenced fortifying several hundred yards to 
the rear. 



176 CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 

"WTien Capt. Hubbard returned, lie was surprised to find only 
tlie first sergeant and seventeen men of his own company, who 
had halted at the edge of the stream to wait for him. He 
thought a key position had been given up. Then posting his 
few men as securely as possible behind logs, he went to find 
the reserve ; and, after some persuasion, got permission to have 
Capt. Chubb's company, of the Eighty-ninth Indiana, go to 
the front and join his left. Maj. Winter, at the same time, 
advanced his reserve, and intrenched on the high ground in 
rear of the stream, near where an old road passes which leads 
into Blakely. The companies of Capts. Chubb and Hubbard 
took position north .of that road. It was about eleven o'clock 
when Lieut. McDonald of the Eleventh Wisconsin made the 
advance before mentioned, and joined their right. Soon after, 
Capt. Hubbard brought forward a company of reserves with 
shovels, and, sending his own men a little in advance, com- 
menced digging rifle-pits. 

Lucas, with his cavalry, marched to occupy Clairborne, on the 
Alabama. During the day the besiegers heard of the fall of 
Selma. 

The loss in the garrison, on the 5th, was reported to be one 
killed and twelve wounded. Lidell sent to Spanish fort for 
sharpshooters armed with the Whitworth rifles,^ and reported 
that he had men killed and wounded at the Blakely wharf by 

1 Lidell to Maury : " April 5 The enemy have erected a battery on 

my left — ^have fired occasionally from it. Quite heavy skirmishing in my 
front." 

Lidell to Gibson : " April 5. — ^I am miich in need of sharpshooters. Send 
me the Whitworth riflemen, or half of them, if yon cannot spare all. The 
enemy are very near you, and here they are at some distance, but with their 
sharpshooters kill and wound men at the Blakely wharf. 1 wiU send you five 
other men." 

Gen. Lidell to Maj. Myers, Ord. Offlcer : " April 5. — ^I wish two hundred 
feet of three-inch rope to parbuckle a large gun in position, and have it on 
hand whenever it may be needed." 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 177 

the besiegers' sliarpsliooters. On account of limited supply 
of ammunition lie directed the firing to be restricted to a few 
picked skirmishers. He also sent for fireballs to Hght up his 
fi'ont, and enable him to use his artillery with more effect in 
the night. ^ 

1 Liclell to Myers : "Ajml 5. — Have made for me as soon as possible some fire- 
balls for twenty-four-pounder cohorn mortars. The enemy are tiying to advance 
their lines during the night, and I want to light np the front of our works, in 
order to see their positions, and allow the artillery to be used with effect." 

12 



CHAPTER XXII. 

SIEGE OF BLAKELT— FIFTH, SIXTH, AND SEVENTH DATS. 

April 6 — The Fifth Day. — At three o'clock on the morning of 
the 6th, the garrison made a sortie fi'om opposite their fourth 
redoubt down to their right, advancing a line with much noise 
and shouting, for the' purpose, as it appeared, of dislodging the 
besiegers' skirmishers. No ground, however, was lost by the 
besiegers, yet a noisy combat of musketry ensued, lasting for 
an hour ; and above all the turmoil roared the garrison's 
artillery. On the extreme left of the besiegers, where were 
Capt. Chubb's company of the Eighty-ninth Indiana, Capt. 
Hubbard's of the One Himdi'ed and Nineteenth Illinois, and 
Lieut. McDonald's of the Eleventh "Wisconsin, the charging 
party came up within a few feet of the newly-dug pits, but 
finding them resolutely occupied had to give way. Lieut. 
McDonald had with him Sergeant Moore and about a dozen 
men. Being hard pressed, he undertook to awe his assail- 
ants by a stratagem, and called out "First and Second brigade 
supports, forward !" which had a good effect. 

Li fi'ont of Moore's brigade of the Second division, the attack 
appeared to be mainly against the working party on the battery 
which was being made for the Fifteenth Massachusetts. The 
atmosphere being thick and heavy, the sound of the musketry 
seemed closer than usual. The darkness was also complete, 
and, it being known hoAv tired and worn the men were, there 
was some uneasiness felt at the division headquarters lest some 
pai-t of the line had been forced back. Lieut. Pettibone, aide- 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 179 

de-camp, hastened down to tlie front line alone, and brought 
back the pleasing intelligence that everything was right. 

In Garrard's division, a position about three hundred yards 
farther in advance was gained in front of Gilbert's and Haiiis' 
brigades. The advance was made at midnight. In front of 
Harris' brigade, the force consisted of Companies A,*<3, and H, 
from the Eleventh Wisconsin, under Capt. Lang, and the One 
Hundi-ed and Seventy-eighth New York, and was commanded 
by Lieut.-Col. J. B. GondaKo, of the latter regiment. In fr-ont 
of Gilbert's brigade, it consisted of companies from the Tenth 
Kansas and Thirty-second Iowa, and was commanded by Major 
Hutchinson, of the Thirty-second. Each man was provided 
^\ith a spade, and, at the given signal, the line advanced in 
good shape, though opposed by a sharp fire. Some two hun- 
dred and fifty yards were gained by Lieut.-Col. GondaKo, which 
brought him about six hundred yards fo-om the garrison's main 
works. The loss in his line was one killed and four wounded. 
Major Hutchinson was ordered to advance three hundred yards, 
which would bring his line also six hundred yards from the 
main works of the garrison. He performed the duty in a truly 
soldierlike manner. His men being deployed and in line, he 
placed himseK on their right, and, moving forward with them, 
caused them to dress on him, he at the same time counting the 
paces as he marched along, and going till he had got the full 
and required distance. His course lay near the Pensacola and 
Blakely road. Having gained the required distance, the whole 
line commenced a rifle-pit. 

On the left of Harris' fr^ont. Company F, Lieut. McConnell, 
of the Eleventh Wisconsin, was posted on the opposite side of 
a ravine ; and being isolated fr'om the fine on his right, Com- 
pany H, of the Eleventh, was sent to his support, and Company 
G, of the same regiment, was also sent to fill up the gap be- 
tween him and the companies on his right. The balance of the 



180 CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 

Eleventli was held in reserve occupjing tlie trenclies vacated 
by the stirmish-Hne. 

Work was also being done in Garrard's division, for a battery 
for the Seventeenth Ohio. 

All along the line of the besiegers, the work of opening or 
widening trenches and approaches was progressing with vigor. 

In the Second division, front, two additional separate batter- 
ies beiQg j&nished for the ten-ponnder rifles of the Second Con- 
necticut, two more guns of that battery opened at daylight, one 
being under command of Lieut. Whitney, the other under Lieut. 
Hanley. Both these guns as well as the one under Lieut. Gray, 
were served with effect. In the morning Corporal Beecher with 
one of the guns last in position, fired at the colors in the Stock- 
ton road redoubt (No. 4), and caused the speedy removal of a 
couple of tents. 

The loss in the Second Division was only four wounded. 

The artUlery firing by the garrison during the forenoon was 
fierce. Gen. Lidell reported that there was constant firing du- 
ring the night, and that he had several men wounded in the 
night by stray shots.^ He asked for a company of sappers and 
miners. He also expected the besiegers would open the next 
morning with artillery from five different positions.'^ At eleven, 
p. M,, he requested the captain of the 3Iorgan to send two small 
boats under charge of a commissioned ofiicer to picket the 
mouth of the bayou, just below his right flank, and the lower 
mouth of the bayou, near Bay Minette. 

April 7 — Sixth Day. — Just before dayhght the garrison 



1 Liddl to Col. Garner, Chief of Staff: " BlaTcely, Ajyril 6. — Enemy at this 
place keeps up a constant firing throughout the night with skirmishers, and is 
busil}'' engaged erecting his batteries. Several men wounded dui-ing the night 
by stray shots." 

2 Lidell to Maury : " April 6, 7:40 p. m It is very probable the enemy 

will open upon us early in the morning from five different positions. 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 181 

made another sortie against the advance hne of the troops of 
the Thirteenth and Sixteenth corps. They came out apparently 
in strong force, dehvering repeated volleys and charging with 
cheers up to the pits of the federals. The artillery also per- 
formed its part, and for two miles along the line the tumult of 
the roar of musketry and cannonading was startling. At such 
an hour was felt how much depended on the steadfast soldier- 
shi]3 and activity of a few men at the front. The confederates 
were repulsed, and it was reported with unusual loss.^ The loss 
in the Tenth Kansas was one killed. In the Fifty-second Indi- 
ana, two wounded. The five companies of the latter regiment 
expended during the night about seven thousand rounds of car- 
tridges and the firing was probably in the same proportion on 
other parts of the line. In front of Einaker's brigade, Lieut. 
Col. Taylor, of the One Hundred and Nineteenth Illinois, was in 
command of the skirmish-line and advanced the left of it across 
the stream and swamp and had some pits dug. 

During the afternoon of the 7th and the succeeding evening, 
rain fell ; the air was chilly, and duty in the muddy trenches 
was uncomfortable. 

Veatch's fi-ont was occupied by Dennis' brigade. The Twen- 
ty-third Wisconsin was engaged in making a battery in Haw- 
kins' front, and lost one man kiUed and four wounded. 

On the right of Hawkins, at the edge of the bluff, a fine 
battery was being constructed for five thirty-pounder Parrotts, 
under the direction of Capt. Newton, assistant-engineer, to drive 
off the gunboats. Large details fi-om the Colored division were 
constantly at work on it, yet many of the gabions and fascines 
were being made by details from Veatch's division. "Working 
parties on the battery were concealed from the gunboats by 
the large forest-trees along the brow of the bluff. 

lA report, afterward captured, of Col. Laws, Second Alabama reserves, 
showed that his loss was fifteeu killed and twenty-two wounded. 



182 CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 

The niglit attack liad interfered witli the labor on the bat- 
teiT for the tw-elve-poiinder Xapoleons of the Fifteenth Massa- 
chusetts on the left centre of the Second diyision, and it was 
not entii-elv finished at davhght of the 7th. Lieut. Eowse com- 
manding the battery, however, had four giins in position and 
at that time opened fire. The redoubt opposite him was only 
five himdred yards distant and had two Ught steel lifled guns 
and a twelye-poimder howitzer, while eleven hundred yards ob- 
liquely to his left was a thirty-pounder Parrott ; and there were 
several other guns in his front. The confederates returned an 
accurate and severe fire, fihing up the embrasTU*es and silencing 
the Fifteenth in a short time. The gimners of the Fifteenth 
Massachusetts clung to then* work with gallantry. Corporals 
Clark, Essex, and Gove, were mentioned for good behavior. 
Private George E. Cooney jumped up into the embrasure to 
clear out the obstmctions and was seriously wounded. Two 
others were wounded. None of the guns, however, were injured. 
TTork continued on the battery the ensuing night. 

The three ten-pounders of the Second Connecticut continued 
to do good service and remained uninjui-ed. 

In Moore's brigade of the Second division, the third parallel 
was widened to from six to eight feet, and fi'om its left an 
approach was being carried forward by the Thirty-seventh 
minois, under the personal dii'ection of its commanding officer. 
Col. Black, and was then thirty yards to the front. 

In Spiceleys brigade, the third parallel was opened one 
hundred and fiftr vards from the left, along a crest, connectinsr 
with an approach which had been finished the preceding day. 
Tliis tliird line was only about five hundred yards from the con- 
federate works, and was subject to dangerous fire from sharp- 
sJiooters strongly posted on the brow of a ravine, ofi' to the left. 
Only one man worked in the ti'ench at a time. Lieut.-CoL 
Yifquaia and Capt. Howard, of the Xiuety-seventh Ulinois. 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 183 

having been specially detailed, were superintending tlie con- 
struction of tlie rifle-pits and approaches in that brigade. 

The loss in the division was five wounded. 

Operations of the Cavalry. — Gen. Steele having directed 
Lieut.-Col. Spurhng to break up a party of confederates who 
were hovering in the rear, the latter started out in the morning 
on that enterprise, with twenty picked men. They disguised 
themselves in confederate uniform, and the neighborkig citizens, 
supposing them to be confederates, informed Spurling that 
Capt. Dupree and Lieut. Fitzgerald, with twelve men, would be 
at a certain house at one o'clock, p. m., for the purpose of cap- 
turing some "Yankees" who were in the habit of visiting there. 
Spurling then moved on, and met the party near the house in 
question, attacked them, killed one and wounded one, and cap- 
tured the captain, lieutenant, and seven men. 

In the garrison, three siege guns were put in position. The 
Vll-inch guns were waiting for platforms. New sldrmish-pits 
were made at night. The commander reported that he had 
not men enough to occupy the whole line, and asked that a 
hundred negroes might be sent him for fatigue duty. ^ 

The garrison was notified that at eight o'clock on the follow- 
ing morning their artillery would open at all points against the 
besiegers, and the skirmishers were enjoined to take all possible 
advantage ia their firing.^ 



■^ Lidell to Maury : ''April 7. — Three siege guns are in position and will be 
ready for use to-morrow morning. The heavy guns will be delayed, for want 
of platforms and all necessary appliances. Have not sufficient men to occupy 
the whole line ; hence the labor of digging, and duty in skirmish pits, is very 
hard upon the men. If you could spare me a hundred negroes for a few nights, 
I could get all the approaches and traverses constructed promptly and save the 
men. It is better to use them than to lose them.'' 

2 GapL Lewis {A. A. G.), to Getis. Gockrell and TJiomas : "April 7.— Gen. 
Lidell dii-ects me to inform you, that at eight, a. m., to-morrow, our artillery 
will open upon the enemy at all points along om- lines ; and he directs that 



184 CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 

Between the skirmisliers of Garrard's division, of the Six- 
teenth corps, and of Thomas' Alabama reserves, a system of 
intercourse had grown up, which the garrison commander justly 
condemned. The men on the skirmish hne made truces of some 
hours' leng-th, during which they would meet and converse in a 
friendly manner, often discussing public questions relating to 
the war. They would also exchange newspapers, and trade 
coffee and sugar for tobacco. They agreed also that there 
should be no firiag while the skirmish-Hne was being reheved. 
Then when they resumed their places, it would sometimes hap- 
pen that one or the other would call out to warn his adversary 
that he was about to^ fire. The garrison^ _cDmmancler_Ie£!gcned 
that the Sixteenth corps men were " very bold," and that they 
exposed themselves " without being fired upon with^siifficient 
effect to make them timid." To abate the mischief, he directed 
Gen. Thomas, commanding the reserves, to send a company to 
report to Gen. Cockrell, to exchange for a company of his com- 
mand, and that the old soldiers of Cockrell's division should be 
scattered m the skirmish pits with Thomas' men. ^ 

April 8 — Seventh Day of the Siege. — At one o'clock the 
morning of the 8th, the garrison, with their usual enterprise 
advanced a strong skirmish-line, covered by the fire of artillery, 
against Yeatch's front, and the right of the Second division, 



you order your skirmisliers to take all advantage possihle of firing upon the 
enemy's skirmishers and artillerists, Avhen the salvo is made." 

^Gapf. Butler {A. A. A. G), to Gen. Thomas : ''April 7.— Gen. LideU directs 
me to say, that he did not recoUect the reported capture of the second pit. 
He has been informed that the enemy in your front is very bold, and that his 
men expose themselves without being fired upon with sufficient effect to make 
them timid. He wishes you to caution your skirmishers to use their utmost 
vigilance in preventing the encroachments of the enemy, and directs that you 
send one company to report to Gen. CockreU, to exchange for a company of his 
co mm and, and he wishes you to scatter these old soldiers about in the skir- 
mish pits with your men along the front where tJtie enemy is now attacking." 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 185 

usin^-, in front of tlie latter a blue liglit for a signal. The move- 
ment was repulsed successfully; but an alarm was caused all 
along tlie line, and for an liour the firing was heavy, especially 
in front of the Colored division. Gen. Osterhaus, chief of staff, 
rode up from Spanish fort, to ascertain what was going on ; and 
Gen. Canby telegraphed to Steele for the same object. The 
latter rephed that nothing unusual was occurring. 

In Veatch's front the Ninety-ninth Illinois had three men 
wounded in the affair, and there were sKght casualties on other 
parts of the line. 

On Garrard's left, where the One Hundred and Nineteenth 
minois was on duty at the front, the first line of rifle-pits 
beyond the stream having been made a few yards back from 
the brow of the hill, a new line of pits was made some 
sixty or seventy yards in advance. In the night the skir- 
mishers moved into the new trench to give it a trial, and 
having fired a few shots to draw the fire of the confederates 
and then giving them a volley aimed at the blaze of their 
muskets, the One Hundred and Nineteenth men raised a yell 
as if intending to charge. They heard the fire taken up all 
along the hne, the artillery firing on both sides, and also the 
confederate gun-boats ; and they thought their volley and shouts 
caused all the tumult. 

At eight in the forenoon, the garrison opened with aU their 
artillery, and fired with uncommon vehemence for an hour. 
The shells frequently struck the parapets of the besiegers' rifle- 
pits and exploded over them. There were many narrow escapes, 
but few casualties. Their fire was replied to ia Garrard's front 
by the Seventeenth Ohio Hght battery ; and ia Hawkins' fi'ont 
by two guns of the Second Massachusetts, under Lieut. Swan. 
The battery for the Fifteenth Massachusetts was in such condi- 
tion that four of its guns could be served in it with safety, and 
they renewed their fire with effect. The three guns of the Second 



186 CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 

Coimecticut were also engaged. In course of tlie day tlie one on 
the left, and farthest to the front, was disabled by its own recoil. 

When the engagement was hottest. Col. Matthews, of the 
Niaety-nintli Illinois, in Yeatch's front, saw a confederate flag 
inside the garrison in his immediate front, and he at once caused 
his regimental colors to be planted on the parapet of the works 
he occupied. This iaduced a livelier fire, and once his colors 
were knocked down by a shot, which, at the same time, com- 
pletely covered three of his men with earth. 

Many of the shots, aimed at the Fifteenth Massachusetts 
battery, passed over and struck about the camp of Moore's 
brigade, and would have done much injury if the men had not 
been well protected by their earthworks. A shell passed close 
to Lieut.-Col. Baldwin, of the Eighty-third Ohio, and tore down 
a part of his quarters. 

"Work in advancing the trenches was steadily progressing on 
all parts of the besiegers' front. On the extreme left, Maj. 
Chapman, of the One Hundred and Twenty-second Illinois, was 
in command of the skirmish-Hne, and caused new pits to be dug 
farther to the left and to the front. At one point, his men occu- 
pied a position within fifteen yards of a rifle-pit of the con- 
federates. 

During the day, orders were received by the Second division 
to be in readiness to march with five days' rations in the haver- 
sack and fifteen in wagons. This was most unwelcome to all of 
the division, for work on trenches and approaches had been 
going on with enthusiasm day and night, and it was felt that 
whatever was in their front must soon yield. The prospect of 
losing the results of their toil might well have dampened their 
ardor ; but it did not. The crack of the sharpshooter's rifle did 
not abate, and the spade was none the less nim bly handled. 

A similar order was sent to Carr's division, of the Sixteenth 
corps, then on the eve of its victorious assault on Spanish fort. 



CAMPAiaN OF MOBILE. 187 

But the necessity for tlae movement did not occur, and neither 
division marched. The order was occasioned by a false alai-m 
of confederate troops gathering in considerable force above 
Stockton. 

Combat loitli the Gunboats. — At ten o'clock, there was rain. At 
twelve o'clock, three thirty-pounder Parrotts, of Capt. Wim- 
mer's battery (H, First Indiana heavy artillery), were ia 
position in the battery on Hawkins' right ; and, at two o'clock, 
the trees having first been cut down to give a suitable range, 
fire was opened on the gunboats, lying a mile distant, in the 
Tensas. 

These steamers consisted of the Morgan, built of wood and 
carrymg eight guns ; the Nashville, clad with six inches of iron 
before, and with iron round the pilot-house, carrying five large 
guns and a howitzer ; and the Huntsville, a turtle-backed iron- 
clad, carrying four Ylll-inch guns. The heavy projectiles from 
these boats had annoyed the besiegers every day, striking quite 
close to the different headquarters ; but had inflicted the princi- 
pal injury on the colored troops, who now raised a glad shout 
as they heard the first booming from the assailing battery. 

Expectation was at a high pitch. Drew, Whittlesey, and 
several other officers, were present to watch the effect of the 
firing, for the guns and gunners were in good repute. The 
thirty-pounders of the First Indiana were loaded with percus- 
sion shells, and the first shot struck the Morgan in her middle. 
That blow was the first warning the gunboats had of the exist- 
ence of the battery; and it was a few minutes before a reply 
was made. In the meantime, Capt. Wimmer maintained an 
accurate and splendid fire. Then the Morgan and Nashville 
opened on the battery and fired with accuracy, exploding their 
shells against its ample and well-beaten parapets. Yet so 
elaborately and thoroughly had the work been made that it 
seemed impervious. The only casualties were two men wound- 



188 - CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 

ed by earth tltrown by a sliell. Tlie firing became intense and 
tlie effect was grand. It was not long till tlie Morgan and 
Nashville in- a disabled condition steamed off out of range. 
Then Wimmer turned his guns with solid shot on the Hunts- 
ville, and as soon as it was dark she also made her escape. 

The Garrison. — A detail of colored men was sent to cut the 
timber on the right of the Ninth redoubt, and a strong picket 
force kept in their front. The confederate artillery endeavored, 
but without success, to silence the Seventeenth Ohio battery.^ 
The commander of the garrison reported that his batteries were 
briskly replied to at eight, A. M., from several points. At nine, 
P. M., fireballs were thrown from redoubts 1 and 4 to assist 
their pickets.^ Toward night the troops on both sides re- 
marked the awful cannonading at Spanish fort, and at ten the 
besiegers heard of the assault there and that a lodgment had 
been effected. 



1 Lidell to Maury: " April 8, 8:45, a. m. — Enemy kept up a brisk fire about 
half-past two, a. m., from their lines in front of 5, 6, 7, for about one and a half 
hours. At eight, a. m., our batteries commenced opening upon them, which, 
up to this, have been briskly replied to from several points, and one imme- 
diately in front of No. 7, throwing shells into Blakely and at the Brickyard 
landing. We are not yet able to silence this battery." 

2 Capt. Leiuis to Gens. Gockrell and Tliomas : " April 8. — G-en. LideU di- 
rects me to inform you that, at nine, p. m., fireballs will be thrown from re- 
doubts 1 and 4, and desires you to have yoiu- pickets relieved before that 
time, and let them be informed of the above, so that they wiU be able to take 
every possible advantage of the enemy, and increase the effectiveness of their 
fire. 



CHAPTER XXIII. 

SIEGE OF BLAKELY— EIGHTH AND LAST DAY OF THE SIEGE. 

The morning of Sunday, tlie 9tli of April, was calm, for the 
sldrmisli line was nnnsually quiet. At nine o'clock there was a 
shower of rain. Afterward the sun came out bright and warm, 
but toward evening dark clouds rolled up from the west. 

The fall of Spanish fort enabled Gen. Canby to send more ar- 
tillery to Blakely, and, in course of the day, sis or eight more 
guns opened on the side of the besiegers, but were faintly 
answered. 

The Fourth Massachusetts hght battery, Capt. Trull com- 
manding, arrived from Spanish fort, and opened with two guns 
from a battery in Scoiield's brigade front, of Hawkins' divis- 
ion ; and on the extreme right, two of the thirty-pounders of 
the First Indiana were turned on the garrison and fired over 
thick timber. These, with the two light giins of the Second 
Massachusetts, in Pile's brigade fi-ont, made sis guns engaged 
in Hawkins' front the last day of the siege, and they did good 
execution. Some of the men in Scofield's brigade were injured 
by shells fi'om a mortar in the garrison. When the thirty- 
pounder shells from the First Indiana guns were screeching over 
the heads of the colored troops, they cried, " Another through 
train to Mobile." 

In the Second division front two ten-pounders of the Second 
Connecticut, and four twelve-pounders of the Fifteenth Massa- 
chusetts, fired at intervals through tlie day and with much 



190 CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 

spirit, the latter sending some of tlieir sliots against tlie gar^ 
risou's left. 

In Veatcli's front two twelve-ponnders of tlie Seventh Massa- 
chiisetts, Oapt. Storer, were in position and engaged, in an 
untinislied battery. 

Bnt the largest proportion of the artillery the last day was in 
Garrju'd's front. Capt. Mack left Spanish fort at four, A. M., 
with his eighteen-poiinders, and at nine, a. m., reported to Gen. 
Steele. The battery went into camp for a -while, and at five, 
p. M., took position nine hnntli-ed yai'ds fi'om the garrison works, 
behind a trench on Gen. Garrard's right. On his left, and 
considerably to the jear, were, fom- thii-ty-ponnder Parrotts, of 
Cox's and Hemlrick's batteries, of the Fii-st Indiana, which had 
come up from Spanish fort. Along his second line of intrench- 
ments near his right were four ten-poiinder Parrotts, of Capt. 
Lowell's Second Illinois, and three of Capt. Eice's Seventeenth 
Ohio Napoleons. Late in the afternoon, foiu* ten-poimder Par- 
rotts, of Ginn's Thii'd Indiana, took position fai-ther to the left 
on open groimd masked by timber. 

The besiegers now had three lines of intrenchments or con- 
tinuous rifle-pits with approaches, the Thii'd being within about 
six bundled yards of the ganison's main works, and some 
portions of the line were nearer. The skii-mishei'S on Garrard's 
left were within thi'ee humli-ed yards of it, the ground there 
affording cover up to about that distance. On the right of 
Moore's brigade, of the Second division, an approach had been 
opened a hundred yards out from the advance parallel and 
within four hiindred yards of the main works of the ganison, 
and skii-mishers were posted within one himdi'ed and forty yards 
of the principal hue of confederate rifle-pits. On Spiceley's 
left, of the same division, the parallel was within about five 
hxmdred yards of tlie garrison's main works, but withdiew as it 
extended to the right, so tliat from the poiat where it crossed 



I 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 191 

tlie Stockton road tlie advance trench was five liundred and 
eighty yards from the main works in front ; but there were 
detached pits forty yards farther in advance. There was a safe 
approach to the left part of that trfench ; and the soldiers with 
characteristic humor had put up in it a sort of guide-board 
with the inscription ".)|@°^ To Blakely." Another approach 
was being started thence to the- front. An approach was also 
commenced to it from the right wing of the Twenty-fourth 
Indiana. In digging that advance trench two torpedoes had 
been excavated ; and others in Spiceley's front had been ex- 
ploded by stray musket-balls. 

In Hawkins' division Pile's skirmish-line had been advanced, 
during the night of the 8th, one hundred and forty yards, and 
rifle-pits dug in the new position. On the right of Scofield's 
brigade an approach was extended withiu two hundred and forty 
yards of the principal hne of confederate rifle-pits. 

Each division commander had daily reported to Steele tha 
progress of the works, and the casualties. 

Up to this time the casualties had been : in the Colored divis- 
ion, sixteen killed, and one himdred and seventy-six wounded ; 
in each of the other divisions the loss had been about four or 
five killed, and fi-om twenty to thirty wounded. 

In the forenoon, some boats had been seen from the tree- 
observatory in rear of the besiegers, to put out from Blakely 
loaded with troops. A report soon afterward flew through the 
trenches that the garrison was evacuating ; and this seemed to 
be confirmed by the imusual silence of both their artillery and 
sharpshooters. There was, therefore, a general desu-e all along 
the line to take the first opportunity to move forward to " feel 
the enemy." 

Garrard received instructions, iu the forenoon, from his corps 
commander, to assault the works in his front in the afternoon ; 
and was informed that the other two divisions of the corps 



192 CAMPAIGN OP MOBILE. 

would be up to reinforce him, and that he should have all the 
artillery he wanted. 

Then, about three in the afternoon, Garrard had a consulta- 
tion with his brigade commanders, at his own headquarters, 
Gen. Yeatch also being present, and fixed upon half-past five 
o'clock, p. M., for an assault to be made in his front. 

Notice of the intended assault was immediately sent to the 
troops of that division by the respective brigade commanders. 

About three o'clock, Lieut. Pettibone, aide-de-camp, was sent 
from the headquarters of the Second division to obtain permis- 
sion from Gen. Steele for that division to move on the garrison 
works, " as far as it could go." 

Gen. Steele was, at the same time, actively engaged making 
arrangements for an advance, and was found in the saddle by 
the aide-de-camp, who returned, saying Gen, Steele desired the 
movement to be made, and fixed the time for it at half-past five, 
p. M. Then, not knowing that the movement was to be general, 
the same staff officer was sent to give notice to Gen. Hawkins 
of the proposed advance, that there might be concert of action. 
He returned with the information that Canby and Steele were 
both at Hawkins' headquarters, and that a general advance 
would be made at half-past five, p. M. 

Gen. Yeatch received official notice at five, P. M., through 
Capt. Lacy, of Gen. Steele's staff, that a general advance would 
be made at half-past five, p. m. ; and he was directed to " enter 
the enemy's works, if possible." 

Tlie Garrison. — All this while the besiegers were much de- 
ceived, in supposing that any part of the garrison had evacu- 
ated. The troops who had been seen to leave on steamers 
were a portion of the jaded force that, through mud and water, 
had made their way from Spanish fort ; and not all of them 
had left Blakely. 

Meantime, the garrison commander was informed, by signal 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 193 

telegraph from Battery Tracy, that the federal forces were 
moving from Spanish fort up to Blakely. As soon as he heard 
this he apprehended that the besiegers, with such reinforce- 
ments, would be pretty certain to assault ; and he sent out the 
intelHgence to the division and separate artillery commanders, 
with instructions for them to hold their commands "in readi- 
ness for an assault at any moment."^ A copy of the order was 
captured, containing the endorsements of some officers, expres- 
sive of their ardent determination to hold their position at all 
hazards — ^which, undoubtedly, was the universal sentiment of 
the garrison. 

They had suffered a severe artillery fire during the forenoon, 
having two guns dismounted, but their artillery were saving 
their ammunition to repel an assault, and abstained from 
re|)lying. ^ 

PreUminary Advance hy the Colored Troops. — Previous to the 
general assault which took place at about six o'clock, there 
was an advance and spirited combat in front of the Colored 
division. 



1 Ccqjt. Lewis to Gen. CocJcrell and others : ^^ April 9. — Gen. Lidell directs me 
to inform you,- that Col. Patton signals the following from Battery ' Tracy' : 
' Wagon trains and heavy columns of infantry have been crossing Bay Minette 
bridge all the morning.' 

" In view of the above, Gen. Lidell directs that you hold yovix command in 
readiness for an assault at any moment." 

2 Lidell to Maury : "April 9 We have had the constant fire of five 

batteries on- us this morning, dismounting two guns, field pieces, including the 
only Blakely gun. Col. Patton has signalled Capt. Grayson (3:20 p. m.), that 
artillerj" accompanies the infantry. There is nearly one quarter of a mile, from 
the right of Gen. Thomas, through the swamp, and to the river, that is unoccu- 
pied by any troops ; and the track of the garrison from Spanish fort discloses 
to an enemy the means of approach to this place, on that side. I shall move 
my quarters to that locality, and make every disposition available. I am hav- 
ing the new place of landing prepared for the use of boats, small craft, and, 
possibly, steamboats." 

13 



194 CAMPAIGN OE MOBILE. 

In Gen. Pile's brigade, whicli was the left one of the Colored 
division, the Seventy-third regiment, Lieut.-Col. Merriam, and 
the Eighty-sixth, Major Mudget, were in the advance trench. 
A little after noon, Gen. Pile received word from each of those 
officers, that the confederate sharpshooters in their front had 
suddenly become quiet, and they asked permission to " feel the 
enemy." Pile then ordered one commissioned officer, and 
thirty select men from each regiment to be in readiness to 
advance. He also caused the two guns of the Fourth Massa- 
chusetts hght artillery to fire a few shots, to see what reply 
would be ehcit. No reply was made. He, then, at about 
three o'clock, was starting to the front to advance, when Maj.- 
Gen. Osterhaus, chief of staff, rode up, dismounted, and went for- 
ward with him. After examining the ground, Gen. Osterhaus, 
directed that half the men selected for the movement should get 
into a ravine immediately in front of the right regiment, then 
move up to a crest held by the skirmish-hne. At a given signal 
they, with the remainder of the party who were to spring out of 
the rifle-pits on the left, were to charge and, if possible, capture 
the confederate rifle-pits. This was undertaken in a resolute 
manner, Capt. Jenkins of the Eighty-sixth, and Capt. Brown, of 
the Seventy-third, assisted by the skirmish-line under Capt. 
Greenwood of the Eighty-sixth, leading the movement. A gall- 
ing fire was immediately opened on them, both from the sharp- 
shooters and artillery. They then grew more cautious and 
sought as they advanced what protection there was from stumps 
and logs. These, however, afforded but little cover; and to 
advance at all they had to jump over fallen trees and logs, 
and were consequently much exposed. The ground was exceed- 
ingly rough, and they had three hundred yards to go. The 
garrison sharpshooters had a strong line of abatis in their front, 
and felt cool and confident. They took advantage of the ex- 
posure of the assaulting party and shot down many. Capt. 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 195 

Brown of tlie Seventy-tliird was mortally woimded. Still, offi- 
cers and men kept moving forward witli self possession and 
courage, and though fighting at disadvantage, returned the 
fire with spu'it. Gen. Osterhaus declared that they fought as 
well as the best of troops. 

Perceiving, by the steady advance of the party, that they 
meditated a serious attack, the garrison sent out reinforcements 
to their skirmish-line, and the contest grew more obstiuate. 
Here and there a man of the colored troops would fall back a 
few yards for better shelter, for the artillery was playing on 
them with searching tire, but the general Hue held its ground 
and advanced rather than fell back. Pile reinforced them with 
five compa,nies, with instructions to hold the ground gained and 
'' intrench immediately in rear of the enemy's abatis." In about 
an hour they had advanced three hundred yards, got possession 
of the garrison's advanced rifle-pits, and inflicted some loss on 
the occupants of the latter as they fell back to their breast- 
works. 

The skirmish-Hne in front of Scofield's brigade and Drew's 
brigade was advanced at about four o'clock, and the confederate 
pits were also captured in their fronts, yet not without loss. In 
Drew's brigade, on the extreme right, the Sixty-eighth regiment, 
with Lieut.-Col. Densmore in command, and the Seventy-sixth, 
Major Nye, were at the front. The skirmish-line being doubled 
for the advance, there were four companies from each of the two 
regiments engaged. The movement was conducted by Col. J. 
B. Jones, of the Sixty-eighth by a left wheel. The men first 
took ofi^ their coats so as to move more readily through the 
brush, and charged in their shirt-sleeves. They had three hun- 
dred yards to pass over. The skirmishers who had been on 
duty and were in the front first rushed out of their pits and ^vere 
followed closely by the second line, aU moving on the double- 
quick and making a deafening clamor by their cheers. By the 



196 CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 

time tliey had gained a hundred yards the confederate skirmish- 
ers began to retreat from their advance pits. The assaulting 
party met an effective artillery and musketry fire from the garri- 
son and lost several of their number, yet they pushed on in 
a dauntless manner to the confederate pits, and then in obedi- 
ence to Col. Jones' orders, laid down behind the abatis. In the 
charge, Col. Jones was shot through his hand with a musket 
ball, but continued at his work. 

At this time Col. Drew's reserve regiment, the Forty-eighth, 
Col. F. M. Crandall commanding, was in camp nearly a mile 
in the rear ; yet Drew, being confident that the force there 
present could carry ihe main works in his front, or else, im- 
pelled by the enthusiasm of the moment, ordered the balance 
of the Sixty-eighth and Seventy-sixth to charge, giving the 
order — " Forward on the enemy's works," at the same time wa- 
ving his hat. This was only a few minutes after Jones' move- 
ment was completed. He passed along the trench, loudly 
giving the command, for there was now a great din, and com- 
pany officers and men, as fast as they heard it direct from 
him — for the best disciplined could hardly be expected to be 
formal when they heard an order to charge — broke off on the 
double-quick with shouts, and charged with the greatest enthu- 
siasm. Not starting in line, both regiments soon got mingled 
together, and they encountered a galling fire from every gun 
that could be brought to bear on them. Yet the officers were 
using their best endeavors to keep the men in line. The fatal 
track of the cannon-ball, of grape, canister, and shells, was 
soon apparent. Lieut. Manhardt, of the Sixty-eighth, was 
instantly killed by a grape-shot, while endeavoring to execute an 
order to close the men to the right. Capt. George Giger, of the 
Sixty-eighth, was mortally wounded while rallying the men to 
close up to the left. Many of the men had fallen. Col. Jones, 
in passing along, felt something pulling at his trowsers, and, 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 197 

looking down, a man, who was mortally wounded in the first 
charge, besought him to take his cartridges " to the boys." 
Jones himself soon after feU, stunned by the explosion of a 
shell. 

Col. Drew, and the two regiments with him, had moved along 
the ground on a level with the garrison's left redoubt, and had 
to face a deadly fire. At length he ordered that they should 
pass to the right and advance on the bluff side, where they 
would have some cover ; and in a few minutes aU, except a few 
who continued on the high ground, were skirting the brow of 
the bluff, intending to reach the left of the confederate works 
and go in if possible. The bluff side was steep and thickly 
covered with slashings. The ground also was springy and soft, 
and it was extremely difficult for the troops to get along. While 
a squad of men paused to fire over the brow of the bluff, others 
hurried along to take an advanced position, and then the former 
squad again would drop down, work their way along and take a 
position farther to the front. A storm of missiles was still 
sweeping over them, and they were losing some of their number 
from exhaustion as well as wounds. Finally, the last depression 
affording any protection was reached. From there to the main 
parapet was smooth ground of less than a hundred steps. Then 
they halted to take breath and wait the arrival of those who had 
fallen behind, preparatory to their last effort. A few of the men 
pushed on some yards below the hiU, but were soon either killed 
or driven back. 

It soon seemed clear to them that they were too few for the 
work in hand. Their numbers were counted over and found 
to be nineteen officers and sixty-five men ! Officers in too great 
proportion. "What was to be done ? There is reinforcement in 
a cheer. They cheered, fired volleys, and cheered again as if 
about to charge. They wondered why the reserve did not show 
itself, and why more of their own comrades were not up. Many 



198 CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 

of tlie latter, poor fellows, would never again be up. Then they 
listened but in vain to hear anj shots on their own side. They 
could see the garrison works teeming with men, and felt that 
they were in imminent danger of a sally. To go forward was 
folly, to go back was less to their notion. 

Col. Drew then went back, to hasten up the reserve, and 
the senior officer left with the party was Lieut.-Col. Densmore, 
of the Sixty-eighth. They kept firing volleys at the parapet 
and cheering. 

The garrison, suspecting the charging party were in trouble, 
attempted a sally, yet with diffidence. Capts. Holcomb, Nor- 
wood, Lieut, Kogers; and some other officers, with a few men 
who kept on the high ground, had got some cover near the main 
works, but they and the party over the bluff were ignorant of 
each other's whereabouts. When the former saw the sally party 
starting, they fired on it with all their might, and Densmore's 
men, hearing some of the shots go over, also put in a volley, 
with one of their cheers. This happy concurrence repulsed 
the sally. But Densmore's men did not know the result, and 
eontiaued to apprehend an attack ; and, while awaiting with 
absorbing anxiety the arrival of the reserve, they continued 
their volleys and cheers. 

Then three ominous-appearing vessels steamed out in sight, 
and the men, as if wiUing to catch at straws, exclaimed, " They 
are Union gunboats that have arrived just in season to help us !" 
and then they had a cheer for the "Union gunboats." Dens- 
more said nothing to them of the confederate flag he saw at the 
mast-head. Shortly, the garrison ran a howitzer outside of 
their works, and threw canister into the logs and brush, which 
compelled the colored troops to hug closer to the ground. 

After waiting some time, Lieut.-Col. Densmore had sent back 
a captain for the reserve. Afterward he sent a Heiitenant, 
charging him to let nothing but death prevent his bringing 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 199 

back men or orders. He began to think he woukl need to 
send a third messenger, when an officer showed himself suffi- 
ciently to get his attention. But the din of canister, bullets, 
and hand-grenades, prevented a word being heard. Then the 
officer took off his hat and beckoned the party back. 

Too indignant and sullen to hurry, they retreated in order 
bringing back theu' dead as far as possible, and taking all their 
wounded. They returned as they went, a part halting to fire 
while the rest retreated to the next cover. When they had got 
far enough away to render it safe for the gunboats to fire with- 
out endangering the garrison, those boats opened a raking fire 
along the side of the bluff. 

The party got back to their trenches in time to see the re- 
serve arrive from the rear. But the little detachment with Nor- 
wood and Holcomb still remained in their position, nearly 
up to the garrison works. 

As the movement commenced, this party had hastened for- 
ward through impediments of fallen tree-tops, in face of a 
sharp fire, and when within a hundred yards of the fort, a 
shower of musket-balls, thrown from cannon, beat around them. 
Out of eleven officers of the party, seven were there killed or 
wounded. They became apprehensive of a counter-charge, and 
of being flanked. If captured, they also apprehended that 
their rights as prisoners would not be respected. After a short 
consultation, they rightly concluded the best thing to be done 
was to fight it out. Then the men fixed bayonets, and some 
were heard, with clenched teeth, to say they would die sooner 
than surrender or retreat. AVitli fixed bayonets this gallant 
party charged down the line parallel with the fort, and, after 
a short but desperate resistance, drove the garrison sharp- 
shooters from the interior line of abatis into their main works, 
and gained a position whence they could silence the more de- 
structive g-uns. Here they remained till the final assault. 



200 CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 



THE ASSAULT. 



The skirmisli-line of Gen. Pile's brigade had been intrenching 
in their new position, under heavy fire, about forty minutes, 
when the cheering of the white troops was heard on their left. 
An officer then ran in that direction till he could see what was 
taking place, and quickly returning, signalled to Gen. Pile that 
the Second division were charging on the main works in their 
front. ^ 

Then Pile ordered forward his brigade, and the assault be- 
came general in Hawkins' entire front. The brigades of Pile, 
Scofield, and Drew, charged almost simultaneously, and carried 
the works in their respective fronts. Greater gallantry than 
was shown by officers and men could hardly be desired. The 
latter were burning with an impulse to do honor to then- race, 
and rushed forward with intense enthusiasm, in face of a ter- 
rible file. As they got close to the works some of the con- 
federates, di'eading to fall into their hands, ran off to surrender 
to the white troops. In Drew's front, several of the co2ifed- 
erates, with muskets, remained outside of the works, refused to 
surrender, and maintained a cool and desperate struggle till 
they fell. In Scofield's line, the explosion of a single torpedo 
killed and wounded thirteen of the Fifty-first regiment. As his 
men were advancing, they heard a confederate officer behind the 
works exclaim, " Lay low and mow the ground — ^the d d 

1 " This movement on vaj part was followed up by the Second brigade on 
my right, and the work of intrenching had been progressing, under heavy fire, 
forty minutes, when cheering on my left notified me that Gen. Andrews' 
division was moving forward. Still ignorant whether this was an assault on 
the enemy's main works, or merely a following up of the movement already 
made by me, I sent a staff officer to my left to report if their advance continued 
beyond the first line of abatis, and parallel with my advance, who immediately 
signalled that Gen. Andrews' division was already advancing to assault the 
main works." — Gen, Pile's Official Eeport, 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 201 

niggei's are corQing !" which became a byword in camp. The 
colored troops captured nine guns, twenty-two commissioned 
officers, and two hundred and one enhsted men. The Seventy- 
third colored regiment — New Orleans troops — was the first of 
Pile's brigade to plant its colors on the parapet ; and Sergt. 
Edward Simon, of Company I of that regiment, was mentioned 
for his signal bravery. 

The prisoners were generally treated with kindness. A col- 
ored soldier of the Fiftieth regiment found his former young 
master among the prisoners. They appeared happy to meet, 
and drank from the same canteen. Some of the Louisiana 
men, however, made an attack on the prisoners and were with 
difficulty restrained fi'om injuring them. The latter almost 
invited attack by manifesting an unreasonable dread of the 
colored soldiers ; huddling together in heaps, and acting as if 
their captors were wild beasts. Capt. Norwood and Lieut. 
Gleason of the Sixty-eighth were w.ounded, the latter mortally, 
in their effi)rts to save the prisoners. 

Afterward the prisoners w^ere taken to the camp of the Col- 
ored division, and some of them endeavored to lead the way so 
as to avoid torpedoes ; yet one of the guards had his leg blown 
off by the explosion of a torpedo near Scofield's trenches, but 
nothing Hke ]-etaliation was manifested. 

Hawkins' loss in the assault was thii'ty-two killed and one 
hundred and forty-seven wounded. Of these a pretty large pro- 
portion were officers. Several of the latter have been named. 
Among those who fell in the assault were Maj. Mudget of the 
Eighty-second, and Capt. S. E. "Wilson of the Seventy- sixth, 
acting assistant adjutant-general on Col. Drew's staff. The 
total loss in kihed and wounded in that division before Blakely 
was three hundred and seventy-one — namely : lolled, five com- 
missioned officers and forty-three men ; w^ounded, twenty-two 
commissioned officers and three hundred and one men. The 



202 CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 

confederate loss in their front in killed and wounded was about 
a tidrd as large. 

Second Division. — Cols. Spiceley and Moore, brigade com- 
manders, were at division headquarters about four o'clock, 
when the order of assault, or advance — ^for it was not then 
thought there would be much resistance — was agreed upon. 
It was arranged that a regiment, deployed as skirmishers, 
should advance in front of each brigade ; and after it had 
gained the distance of one hundred and fifty yards, that the 
remainder of the brigades should foUow, deployed in line of 
battle. The movement was to commence with the Second 
brigade, and the cheer of the skirmish-line, as it started, was 
to be the signal for the skdrmish-line to start in front of the 
Third brigade. The commander of the latter brigade, CoL 
Moore, selected the Eighty-third Ohio as the skirmish regi- 
ment in his front, and the Mnety-seventh Illinois, at the re- 
quest of its commanding officer, was designated for the skir- 
mishers of the Second brigade. 

Both brigades were in the two front trenches at about half- 
past five ; and the first notice most of the men had of the 
assault was the order to fall in. Of the men in camp that 
Sunday afternoon, some had been writing home that they were 
soon to march — ^for they were under marching orders. Others 
were washing their clothes ; and so from the humblest duties, 
they hastened to take part in. the grandest. 

Lieut.-Col. Yifquain had the Ninety-seventh deployed, and 
had passed along the trench once or twice to see that every- 
thing was in readiness, when an explosion of a torpedo occurred 
on the rear edge of the trench, tearing off the leg of Capt. 
"Wisner, of the Ninety-seventh Illinois, who was endeavoring tc 
pass to his company, and injuring, to all appearances, fatally, 
One or two men. It was no happy augury ; and as the wounded 
were borne along the trench and approach to the rear, the 



1 



CAMPAIGN OP MOBILE. 203 

spirits of tlie beliolders seemed depressed. Such is the terror 
of concealed dangers. 

This occurrence caused a few moments' delay, and it was 
quarter to six when the movement commenced. Precisely at 
that time, Lieut.-Col. Yifquain, in a clear, insphing tone, and 
with his sword drawn,' and elevated, gave the command, " For- 
ward, Ninety-seventh !" Then he and his gallant regiment 
sprang upon the parapet, and with loud cheers, which were 
taken up by all the troops left behind, they dashed forward 
on the run. Instantly they were greeted with a shower of 
bullets, and before they had got twenty yards a few men fell. 
In less than half a minute the Eighty-third Oliio, led by Lieut.- 
Col. Baldwin, swept over the parapet in theii" front, and, with 
thrilling shouts, moved, on the run, for the redoubt in then* 
front. Three or four pieces of artillery, from the garrison, 
quickly opened on these regiments, firing with great rapidity, 
and they also encountered a bitter musketry fire. The confed- 
erate sharpshooters at first were disposed to hold theu" position ; 
and the men of the Ninety-seventh commenced firing when they 
had got eighty yards. The skii-mish grew more and more bitter, 
the Ninety-seventh every minute gaining ground and the confed- 
erates giving way. While the skhmish was occurring, Lieut.-Col. 
Vifquain ran back with a prisoner to the trench from which he 
had started, then hastened to his regiment and resumed the 
charge, following the course of the Stockton road. The prisoner 
stated that the whole garrison still remained at Blakely. Every 
one could, by that time, see that such was the fact, for the con- 
federates were getting out of then* rifle-pits and falling back to 
their main works in literal swarms. Over a hundred of these 
were seen, in a straggling crowd, to ascend the hill on which 
was Eedoubt No. 4, just south of the Stockton road. At the 
same time the breastworks appeared numerously manned. It 
was apparent there was to be a much severer straggle than had 
been expected. 



204 CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 

The Ninety-seventh EHnois had got but a short distance when 
the Seventy-sixth IlUnois, Col. S. T. Busey, sprang forward. 
About the same time, the Sixty-ninth Indiana, Lieut.-Col. O. 
Perry, also rushed forward ; and, afterward, the Twenty-fourth 
Indiana, Lieut.-Col. Sears, charged from the right. These 
regiments advanced on the run with great enthusiasm and 
gallantry. The Sixty-ninth Indiana took the Stockton road, 
and entered the confederate works a Httle south of that road. 
Lieut.-Col. Perry was severely wounded before he had got two 
hundred yards. The Seventy-sixth Illinois charged directly on 
the redoubt in their front, the one north of the Stockton road, 
and preserved its alHgnment well till it got to the second line of 
abatis. One man of that regiment was killed at the first line 
of abatis and rifle-pits ; then, at the second line, the battle 
became fierce and bloody. The confederates maintained a bold 
front from behind their breastworks, and when the Seventy-sixth 
was within fifty yards of the redoubt, they suffered severely from 
the confederate musketry and artillery. While a part of the 
regiment maintained a spirited fire, the rest crossed the abatis. 
Lieut. Wm. F. Kenaga was shot through a leg at the second 
abatis, and nearer the works was hit in the ankle-joint of his 
other leg ; then, unable to walk, he kept upright on his knees 
and ralHed and cheered the men. The color-sergeant, Hussey, 
was killed within twenty feet of the works ; then the colors were 
taken by the noble and brave Corporal Goldwood, who, as he 
was planting them on the parapet, received the contents of three 
muskets so close that the discharge burnt his clothes, and he fell 
dead inside the works with the colors in his arms. 

The Seventy-sixth and the confederates were now fighting 
across the works, and those of the regiment in the rear were 
coming up as fast as they could pass the obstructions. Col.. 
Busey ran along close to the parapet, and, with his revolver, 
disabled the gunner of a howitzer about to be fired, and which 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 205 

aitorward proved to liave a double charge of grape and can- 
ister ; tlien turning to the right, he exchanged shots with two 
at short range. Afterward, he ordered Lieut.-Col. Jones, with 
Capts. Hughes and Ingerson, and Lieut. Warner, with from 
twenty to fifty men, to charge the right flank of the redoubt, 
while he, with another squad, charged the fi'ont. They charged 
with bayonets, and drove the confederates from the works. 

Fifty yards in rear of the redoubt the ground began to slope 
considerably. It had been cleared of thick underbrush, and the 
latter had been piled in a row along the crest. Behind that 
cover the confederates formed again, and gave another volley, 
wounding, among others. Col. Busey and Capt. Hughes. Then 
the Seventh-sixth charged them again, and they threw down 
their arms, and ran into the woods and toward the landing. 
Col. Busey sent detachments in pursuit of them. Upward of 
four hundred prisoners fell into the possession of the Seventy- 
sixth. It had five men killed inside the works. Its whole niim- 
ber of killed was sixteen, of whom, besides those already men- 
tioned, were Sergeant Perkins and Corporals Hopkins and 
Tremain. There were eighty wounded, some mortally ; so that 
its entire casualties were about one hundi-ed. Among the 
wounded were Lieuts. Martin and Warner. The Seventy-sixth 
Illinoig entered the works over the south sahent of the redoubt, 
and over the breastworks extending south. Its national colors 
were planted on the breastwork. It was claimed by his com- 
rades that Private Eldrick Bromillet, of Company D, was the 
first one of the regiment over the works. He was killed fifty 
yards inside the works by a confederate captain, and the latter 
was killed by Bromillet's comrade. That regiment used the 
bayonet in the charge, and displayed throughout the highest 
degree of valor. No regiment on the field that day suffered so 
heavily, none exhibited more intrepid bravery. And higher 
praise than that cannot be awarded troops. 



206 CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 

Tlie Twenty-fourth. Indiana entered tlie works on the right 
of the Seventy-sixth Illinois, soon after the latter had pos- 
session. The right of the Twenty-fourth had to pass one or 
two deep ravines, in which was wet ground covered with fallen 
trees, and, when part way to the confederate works, the regi- 
ment was halted, and ordered to lie down. But such was the 
ardor of the men, that their commander found it difficult to 
-restrain them, and bade them go on. Such was their ardor 
they did not stop to capture the confederate skirmishers, nor 
even to disarm all they met. One of the latter raised his hands, 
to indicate his submission, and after the Twenty-fourth men 
iiad passed hi-m turned and fired on them, grazing the ear of 
a man named Messer. The latter then turned upon him, and 
shot him dead. A man named Walker, in Company C, had 
told his comrades where he would fall, and after they had 
passed the spot they looked back, and saw that he was indeed 
lying there. A shell burst right over the Twenty-fourth, 
enveloping the men in a cloud of smoke, yet doing no more 
serious injury than tearing to pieces the hat of one man, the 
cartridge-box of another, and the stock of another's musket. 
However, the confederates thought it had done more mischief, 
and raised a cheer. The loss of the Twenty-fourth was about 
twelve, killed and wounded. Not far from the works, fell the 
lamented Capt. George E. Merchant, commanding Company J). 
He lived only till the next day. He was an excellent officer, 
and dearly beloved by his company and comrades. 

The Ninety-seventh Illinois had pushed forward over the 
obstructions, against a dreadful fire, and, having started de- 
ployed as skirmishers, the men got much scattered ; but they 
well knew how to take care of themselves, and officers and men 
performed their duty with, unflinching valor. The colors of the 
regiment were planted on the works between the Stockton road 
and the redoubt south of it, almost simultaneously with the 



CAMPAIGN OP MOBILE. 207 

Eiglity-tliii'd Ohio. They were carried by Sergeant Ed-s^in 
D. Lowe, and in the charge they were struck and torn by the 
fire of the artillery, but, unharmed himself, he kept them con- 
spicuously in the advance, and, undismayed by the thick 
dangers around him, planted them firmly on the works, then 
fell with a mortal wound. But the hand that struck him down 
was soon itseK laid cold, by an unerring shot from one of the 
color-guard. The Ninety-seventh Illinois lost nine killed and 
fifty-three wounded. Among the latter were five officers. 
Capt. Howard and Lieut. Orem were both struck down when 
near the main works. The loss in the Sixty-ninth Indiana 
battalion was ten, wounded. Col. Spiceley and staff entered 
the works about with the Twenty-fourth. 

The right of the Eighty-third Ohio had three ravines to pass, 
and the ravine nearest the garrison works was deep and long 
enough to include nearly the whole of the regiment. When 
it had advanced about two hundred yards, it had come to the 
principal line of confederate rifle-pits, still to some extent oc- 
cupied. The Eighty-third there paused a few moments for 
the right to get up out of the ravine ; the confederate sharp- 
shooters' guns were taken from those who surrendered, and 
broken. Then the colors of the Eighty-third moved on the 
line still advancing as fast as the nature of the ground and the 
obstacles of brush and logs would admit. It soon began to 
descend the ravine two hundred yards from the main works, 
and for two or tlu'ee long minutes was lost sight of. It was 
passing the ravine through which ran a rivulet, and in the bot- 
tom of which was a jungle of slashings almost defying the pas- 
sage of persons even at a time of leisure and unencumbered 
with weapons. Then it began to ascend the high ground in 
front of the redoubt where were some detached rifle-pits. A 
few steps farther and it was up to another line of abatis, breast- 
high, apparently impassable, and fifty yards from the works. 



208 CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 

Before this the foremost of the Eighty-third stooped down to 
avoid the destructive fire which was being poured upon them, 
to take breath, and to wait till the wings could close up. Fif- 
teen yards inside of the line of abatis just before them was 
another line, not readily seen at a distance, consisting of stakes 
firmly driven into the ground close together, and sharpened at 
the end. Then, thirty-five yards from that, was the ditch and 
the high parapet of the redoubt. The infantry troops which 
manned that redoubt and the adjacent breastworks, consisted of 
CockreU's Missouri brigade, comprising the First, Thkd, Fourth, 
and Fifth Missouri infantry, and the First and Third Missouri 
cavalry, dismounted ; one of the most famous fighting brigades 
of the confederate army. These troops stood up in a bold man- 
ner behind their breastworks, firing on their assailants as if they 
hoped to repulse them. There seemed to be a constant blaze of 
musketry along the breastworks. The artillery was served with 
the same desperate energy. The guns vomited forth grape and 
canister with a fury that made one shudder. But most of the 
shots went over the mark. 

^Tiile the Eighty-third Ohio was in that position the Sixty- 
ninth Indiana and Ninety-seventh Illinois were on their right, 
on lower ground, near the Stockton road, and hotly engaged. 
Lieut. Col. Baldwin caused part of his regiment to return the 
fire of the garrison while the rest made an opening through the 
abatis. The colors of the regiment were flying conspicuously, 
and both flagstafis were shot in two and the colors riddled with 
bullets. 

WhUe this scene was occurring, a division staff-officer was sent 
to have the Twenty-fourth Indiana move down . to reinforce the 
Ninety-seventh Illinois, whose colors were seen not far from the 
main works ; but the Twenty-fourth was abeady on the way to 
the works farther to the right, and the officer found it inside of 
them. About the same time, another staff-officer was sent to 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 209 

hasten fonvard the main hne of the Third brigade in support 
of the Eighty-third Ohio ; but before he reached its commander, 
it was advancing on the double-quick, the colors flying, the men 
cheering, and the whole line looking splendidly. On the right, 
was the Thirty-fourth Iowa, Col. G. W. Clark ; next the One 
Hundred and Fourteenth Ohio, Col. J. H. Kelly ; the Thirty- 
seventh Illinois, Col. Chailes Black ; and the Twentieth Iowa, 
Lieut.-Col. J. B. Leake ; all superior regiments, with gallant 
and able commanders. Their appearance on the field, of course, 
began to excite dismay in those against whom the Eighty-third 
was contending. Lieut.-Col. Baldwin, as soon as a passage was 
opened through the abatis, gave the order for the regiment 
again to advance. This was done with a dauntless spirit. The 
men, with then* bayonets, pried an opening through the next 
line of abatis, then rushed forward, bearing their fljdng 
colors, and, though still encountering numerous obstructions, 
in the nature of wire lines, were soon upon the redoubt. Capt. 
Gany, of the Eighty-third, was among the first to moimt the 
parapet, but a private soldier is said to have been the first over 
them. Lieut.-Col. Baldwin was soon on the parapet ; and see- 
ing that the most of his regiment was ready to mount the works, 
he jumped down inside, and cried out, " Sm-render !" The com- 
manding officer inquired, " To whom do we surrender ?" Bald- 
win answered, " To i:]ie Eighty-thu'd Ohio." Then the officer 
said, " I believe we did that once before," — referring to a some- 
what similar occasion at Yicksburgh. 

It was about twenty minutes from the time the Eighty-tliird 
began the charge till it was in possession of the works ; but 
some contest was kept up for a few minutes in rear of the 
redoubt after the first had entered. Two volleys were fired 
inside the works, in the edge of the woods, five minutes after 
the Eighty-third was inside. 

The loss of the Eighty-thii-d Ohio was seven killed and twenty- 

14 



210 CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 

one wounded. Among tlie killed were Corporal Hnglies, and 
Privates De Mar (on the works), Cook, Cox, Anderson, and Yan 
Amsdale. Among the wounded were Capt. Gary and Lieut. 
Snyder. 

The other regiments of Moore's brigade met with some resist- 
ance. The Thu-ty-fourth Iowa had three killed, and twelve 
wounded. The brigade commander advanced in the charge 
near that regiment. A man of Company H, of the Thirty- 
fourth, was shot at by a wounded confederate lying in a rifle- 
pit, having been passed by the skirmishers. Another man, of 
Company H, then dealt him a fatal blow with his clubbed 
musket. The loss in- the Thirty-seventh Illinois was one killed 
and three wounded. In the One Hundred and Fourteenth Ohio, 
two wounded. The Twentieth Iowa escaped loss in the assault^ 
and only had its flag shot through. That regiment entered the 
works at the two-gun battery, on the brow of the ravine, south 
of Bedoubt No. 4. About eight hundred prisoners were taken in 
front of Moore's brigade. The whole number of prisoners taken 
by the Second division was thirteen hundred, including a general 
commanding a division ; also ten or twelve guns and several 
stands of colors. The works carried, in its front, were three 
quarters of a mile in extent, and embraced two strong 
redoubts (Nos. 3 and 4) and a two-gun battery. After dark, 
while the men were picking up the dead and wounded, a 
few torpedoes were exploded. In this way a man of the 
Second Connecticut battery and one of the One Hundred 
and Fourteenth Ohio were killed, and one or two others 
wounded. The whole loss of the Second division in the 
assault was two hundred and thirty-three, namely : forty-one 
killed and one hundred and ninety-two wounded. The con- 
federate loss in killed and wounded, in front of that division 
was not fully ascertained. About twenty confederates were 
buried near the works. 



Campaign op mobile. 211 

FeatcVs Division. — Next, on the left, in Veatcli's division, 
Dennis' brigade had the advance, the Third brigade, Lieut.-Col. 
Kinsey commanding, being held in reserve. Slack's brigade was 
not called out of camp, it having been on duty the preceding 
night in going to and retiuTiing from Spanish fort. Gen, Dennis' 
brigade was disposed as follows : The Eighth Illinois (Ogelsby's 
old regiment), a veteran and splendid regiment. Col. Sheetz 
commanding, was in the advance parallel. The Eleventh Illi- 
nois (veteran). Col. Coats commanding, was to follow in supj^ort 
in line of battle on the left, and the Forty-sixth Illinois, Col. 
Domblaser, on the right. Col. Sheetz was instnicted to 
advance, with the Eighth Illinois deployed as skirmishers, as 
soon as he saw the troops moving in the assault on his right 
and left. 

At the moment the Eighth HHnois advanced, the Eighty-^ 
third Ohio had got about halfway to the main works. The 
line of the Eighth Illinois, deployed in one rank, extended 
about four hundred yards. Thie regiment numbered seven hun- 
dred. The distance to the confederate works was six hundred 
yards. There was first a slight ravine to pass, and then the 
ground was moderately level ; but the course of the right of the 
line lay over the irregularly-scalloped side of a deep ravine. 
There were two or three lines of abatis to overcome, and the 
gi-ound was partly covered with fallen trees. There was also 
some obstruction by wires. Yet that, including a strip of 
ground adjoining on the left, was, perhaps, the smoothest part 
of the field of Blakely, and it was, perhaps, the most exposed. 

The Eighth Illinois took up the soldiers' war-cry, and rushed 
forward in the charge with all the compulsive force that a 
skirmish-line can have. They made but short pause at the 
confederate rifle-pits. Those of the occupants who did not fall 
back rapidly to their main works, were killed or captured. The 
abatis was passed, either by springing over it, or by pulling 



212 CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 

it one side and making passage ways tlirougli it. The nearer 
the Eighth got to the main works, the fiercer raged the tempest 
of bullets against them. Besides a constant volume of mus- 
ketry, they encountered the rapid fire of four pieces of artillery. 
They returned the fire to some extent. Meantime the besiegers' 
batteries in their rear were dropping shells on the garrison's 
works with excellent effect. "When within about a hundred 
yards of the main works, the contest seemed desperate, and it 
was apparent the Eighth was losing many. The Eleventh and 
Forty-sixth had got halfway over the field, moving in a gal- 
lant manner, when an order reached them to halt, the right of 
Garrard's division having been seen to pause. Then the 
orderly, Murray, who carried the order, went on with a similar 
one to the Eighth, but the latter, with victorious strides^ 
was already on the parapets of the redoubt, and the brave 
orderly entered the works close by Lieut.-Col. Wheaton, 
of the Eighth. The latter and Sergt. John Switzer, of Com- 
pany B, were the first of the regiment upon the works. A 
shot fi'om one of the besiegers' batteries struck the parapet 
while Wheaton was going over the works ; and while he was 
close to the parapet, two men of the Eighth were killed by the 
last artillery fire from the redoubt. Wheaton ordered Sergt. 
Switzer to shoot the gunner ; but before it could be done, 
Sergt. Henderson had struck him down with the butt of his 
musket. 

Ca]3t Miller entered several yards to the left of Wheaton, 
and Private James B. Garwood, of his company, was shot down 
by his side when on the top of the works. Capt. Miller there 
encountered an officer of the garrison, who attempted to shoot 
him with a revolver, and took him prisoner. Then seeing their 
flag, which was planted in the ground that the bearer might 
better assist in the defence, he tore it from the staff. 

The confederates fell back from their works, into the timber, 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 213 

and continued firing till the most of the Eighth were over 
the breastworks. As soon as the Eleventh and Forty-sixth 
had come up, the Eighth moved down toward the landing. 

Veatch's loss in the assault was thirteen killed and sixty-four 
wounded. Of these the Eighth Illinois lost ten killed and 
fifty-four wounded. Among the severely wounded of the Eighth 
were Capt. Coleman — who, after having been brought to the 
ground, continued to wave his sword and cheer his men — also 
Lieuts. Sanderson and Harrington. 

In Veatch's front were captured about three hundred prison- 
ers, one thirty-pounder Parrott, one ten-pounder Parrott, two 
twelve-pounder howitzers, and one Ylll-inch columbiad. The 
latter was in position, but the embrasure for it had not been 
finished. 

Garrard's Division. — The trench containing the right of the 
First brigade (Col. Rinaker's), and left of the Third brigade 
(Col, Harris'), of this division, being the nearest point to the 
confederate works, Gen. Garrard du-ected that the assault in 
his front should commence there, and be taken up on the right 
and left. His order of attack was two hues of skirmishers, to 
be supported by the main line of battle. When the first 
skirmish line had started, and appeared to be advancing with 
success, the second line was to follow, and when the first hue 
had reached the enemy's works, the main line was to charge. 
Tliis plan was adopted by him on account of the terrible 
obstructions in his front. 

His three brigades were in position at about the appouited 
hoiu". Col. Rinaker, assisted by his acting aide-de-camp, 
Lieut. McLain, of the Eighty-ninth Indiana, had been arrang- 
ing the position of his brigade, and was about ready to give the 
order to advance, when the commander of the Third Indiana 
light battery reported to him for orders. This caused him a 
little delay, and his brigade did not move precisely with Harris'. 



21'4 CAMPAIGN OP MOBILE. 

Col. Harris' brigade was formed in two lines. In the first 
line, the Fifty-eighth Illinois, Capt. John Mnrphy commanding, 
was on the right ; the Eleventh Wisconsin, Maj. J. S. Miller, 
on the left ; the One Hundred and Seventy-eighth New York, 
Lieut.-Col. J. B, Gondalfo, in the centre. In the second 
hne, the Thnty-fourth New Jersey, Col. Lawrence, was on the 
right ; and the Fifty-second Indiana, Lieut.-Col. Main, on the 
left. Company A, Capt. Park, Company F, Lieut. McConnell, 
and Company D, Capt. Toms, of the Eleventh Wisconsin, were 
selected for the skirmish-line of that regiment, and they 
deployed and lay down in front of the trench previous to 
the movement. These troops had to charge six hundred yards 
(more than one third of a mile), over broken ground, covered 
with the usual amount of obstructions. At quarter to six 
o'clock. Col. Harris directed his acting assistant adjutant-gen- 
eral, Capt. R. E. Jackson, of the Eleventh Wisconsin, to order 
the charge to commence ; which order was soon given, and 
promptly obeyed. When the skirmish-line of the Eleventh 
had' gained one hundred yards, they received such a heavy fire 
from the confederates' well-fortified and numerously manned 
pits, that Maj. Miller, fearing they would be checked, took the 
responsibility of ordering forward the rest of his regiment, com- 
manding, " Forward, Eleventh !" Instantly the Eleventh Wis- 
consin sprang out of their trench, and, T^dth the ringing 
cheers of veterans, rushed onward, mth emulous ardor and 
high resolve, to victory or death. They followed so closely 
upon the retreating confederate skirmishers, as to save them- 
selves from a general fire from the main works till within 
about one hundred yards of them. Then they encountered 
a destructive fire of musketry, and grape, and canister. 

Though many were struck down, and the ranks of the 
leading groups were visibly thinned, the survivors moved on 
with imfaltering step to the main works, and there engaged 



i 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 215 

in a hand-to-liaiicl contest with the most imyielding spiiits 
of the garrison. Lieut. Angus R. McDonald, Sergeant Daniel 
B. Moore, and six others, were within thirt}'- yards of the 
works, and, by Lieut. McDonald's orders, they fixed bayo- 
nets, and charged them. When close to the parapet a vol- 
ley killed five of their number, and knocked the lock ojff of 
Moore's gun. Then McDonald ordered that they should wait 
till others came up ; but Sergeant Moore, in the din, not 
hearing the order, mounted the works. The gallant Corporal 
Joel Wheeler, of Company A, had preceded him and was 
shot dead on the parapet. McDonald quickly followed and 
demanded a suiTender. At that time the main part of the 
Eleventh was coming up within a few yards, but one or 
two volleys were afterward fired on them from behind the 
works. A portion of the garrison had already broke and was 
fleeing toward the landing. Where McDonald and Moore 
entered were eight who surrendered; but ten yards to their 
right was a squad of twelve under charge of an oflScer, who 
were still pouring a deadly fire into the right of the Eleventh. 

The officer exclaimed : " No quarter to the d d Yankees." 

Lieut. McDonald and Sergeant Moore feU into their hands, 
and then followed a desperate struggle. Five or six attacked 
McDonald with bayonets, but he fought them with his sword, 
knocking some down, and killed two. He received two bayonet 
thrusts in his breast and a musket ball m his thigh, when he 
fell. A confederate fell over him whom he used as a shield 
against a farther thrust by the bayonet. Then Sergeant Moore, 
who had also received a bayonet wound, picked up a confederate 
musket and shot McDonald's assailant dead. 

Other gallant men of the Eleventh were soon upon the works, 
closely followed by the regiment. Then came with eager step 
the rest of the brigade with its commander. Col. Harris ; and 
when the troops were in full possession of the works a shout of 



216 CAMPAIGN OP MOBILE. 

triumpli went up tliat baffles description. The men flocked 
around their commander witli earnest and joyful greetings. 
But no single voice could be lieard. Col. Harris pointed up to 
the flag, no-;v proudly waving on the captured works. Then 
again the emotions of patriotism and of victory burst forth in 
tumultuous shouts. Near them the ground was thickly strewed 
with the wounded and the dead, and many of the latter were 
buried near the works. Among the killed in the Eleventh Wis- 
consin, were Lieut. Richard Coddell, Sergeant W. H. Phelps, 
and Corporals Wheeler, Allbaugh, Shea, and Ingamills. Its 
whole number of killed was fifteen, and it had two commissioned 
officers, including Lieut. Wm. Charlton, twelve non-commis- 
sioned officers, and thirty-two privates wounded. Total casual- 
ties in the Eleventh Wisconsin, sixty-one. In the Fifty-eighth 
HHnois, Lieut. Thomas Malloy was killed on the works, and 
Lieut. Atwater severely wounded ; and there were other casual- 
ties in that regiment. In the One Hundred and Seventy-eighth 
New York, there was one killed and four wounded ; in the Fifty- 
second Indiana two killed and eight wounded ; in the Thirty- 
fourth New Jersey, Corporal Hampton was killed and three 
were wounded. 

Soon after the works in Harris' front were taken, detachments 
of his brigade marched down to the landing for prisoners. The 
Fifty-second Indiana was placed as guard over the artillery and 
prisoners. 

Similar enthusiasm and gallantry characterized Gen. Gilbert's 
brigade, next on the right, which advanced soon after Harris'. 
It was formed in three lines. The Tenth Kansas, Lieut.-Col. 
Charles S. Hills commanding, and Company B, of the Twenty- 
seventh Iowa, deployed as skirmishers in the advanced trench, 
six hundred yards from the main works. The Twenty-seventh 
Iowa, Col. Lake ; the One Hundred and Seventeenth Illinois, 
Col. Moore, and Companies D, H, and K, of the Thirty-second 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 217 

Iowa, under Maj. Hufccliinson, in tlie second line. The Sixth 
Minnesota, Lieut.-Col. Grant, and the other seven companies of 
the Thirtj-second Iowa, Lieut.-Col. Eberhart, forming the 
reserve line, and posted eleven hundi-ed yards from the main 
works. The severest part of the charge fell upon the Tenth 
Kansas, and they breasted 'the storm that beat against them 
with a noble heroism. In their front, as elsewhere, the artillery 
uttered its last fierce thunders, pouring forth shell, grape, and 
canister; the musketry volleys roiled along the line in quick 
succession, and clouds of smoke rose up from the works. The 
Tenth Kansas directed their steps toward the Sixth redoubt ; 
yet such was the fire upon them, and not wishing to pause to 
return it, they turned for a moment down the side of a ravine. 
But an enfilading fire greeted them there ; and with hardly a 
pause, they soon gained the high ground again, crossed two hues 
of abatis, then the ditch, and mounted the parapets. 

The furious fire that had beset them, made them cluster 
in a group, and they entered the works more as a column 
in mass than in line. Then, vnth. fixed bayonets, they swept 
along the works to their right, mixing blue and gray to- 
gether ; and the latter, seeing their helpless condition, hud- 
dled into the angles of the fort, and making little resistance, 
suiTendered by scores. Yet there was some firing after the 
Tenth were inside the works, for a number of the confederates 
refused to surrender. One captain caught up a musket and 
fired at Capt, Wood, of the Tenth, while the latter was calling 
on him to surrender, and then another, and a tMrd musket, 
each time failing to hit Capt. Wood. 

Then Coi-poral Schultz, of the Tenth, sent a ball through 
the confederate's head, and he fell. Several other instances 
of the same kind occurred. Meantime, some of the leading 
confederate officers were approaching officers of the Tenth, 
handing them their swords, and beseeching them to stop the 



218 CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 

"butcliery," as they termed it. But it appears none were 
uitentionallj killed after they liad ceased fighting. The con- 
federate commanders Tvere not able to get all to surrender, 
even after resistance seemed utterly fruitless. 

A number of pieces of aiiillery and several hundred prison- 
ers -were captured in Gilbert's front. 

The Tenth Kansas had seven killed and twelve wounded, and 
of the latter, Lieut. John Bryan and Private Plummer died 
of their "wounds. Among the killed were Sergeant George 
Daller and Corporals Buxton and Thompson. There were 
four wounded ia the Twenty-seventh Iowa, including Lieut. 
Eisenhart ; one killed, and one wounded in the One Hundred 
and Seventeenth Illinois ; one wounded in the Sixth Minnesota, 
and one in the Thirty-second Iowa. The whole loss in Gilbert's 
brigade was eight killed and nineteen wounded. After the 
brigade was in possession of the works, large detachments 
hurried down to the landing, and through the woods, for 
prisoners. Maj. Hutchinson, of the Thirty-second Iowa, with 
a squad of eight men, held a large number of confederates in 
check, in range of their gunboats, in a manner to prevent the 
latter from firing on the Union troops. 

Rinaker's brigade had from three hundred to four hundred, 
yards of rough grotmd to charge over, before reaching the 
confederate works. The One Hundred and Nineteenth Illinois, 
Col. Thomas J. Kinney, deployed as skirmishers, commenced 
the charge in front of that brigade, advancing with cheers, 
on the run, at a signal by the bugle. The supporting line con- 
sisted of the Eighty-ninth Indiana on the right, the One Hun- 
dred and Twenty-second Illinois in the centre, and the Twenty- 
first ^Missouri on the left. Lieut.-Col. Craven, of the Eighty- 
ninth Indiana, had accompanied the regiment down to the 
front, although ill, but was not able to take part in the charge, 
and the command fell upon Major Winter. At the second 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 219 

signal on the bugle, these three regiments advanced with eager 
step. The most of the One Hundred and Nineteenth was then 
only thirty yards in front ; and the gTound was so irregular, and 
the obstacles so numerous, that both lines were soon merged 
together. Yet the latter regiment pushed forward as fast as 
men could go, stopping to fire but httle. The greater part 
of the confederates retreated fi'om theh rifle-pits to the main 
works, and it seemed to be a race between them and the assault- 
ing troops as to which should reach them first. A vehement and 
excited fire from the main works assailed the advancing troops, 
the artillery of two redoubts being turned upon them. Yet 
the gTins did less injury than was to have been apprehended. 
Each regiment sustahied some loss. Lieut.-Col. Drish, of the 
One Hundred and Twenty-second, fell struck by a piece of 
shell, and the command devolved on Major Chapman, Two 
of that regiment, named MiUer, were killed, and eleven wounded. 
In the Eighty-niath Indiana, one — Coi-poral Cowan — was killed, 
and five wounded, two of whom, Hutchinson and Coppock, 
died. The color-bearer of the Twenty-first Missouri was shot 
down when near the works, and they were seized by Cox of 
Company G, One Hundred and Twenty-second Illinois, and 
planted on the works. The loss in the One Hundred and 
Nineteenth was sixteen killed and wounded — and the most of 
those casualties occurred hi Capt. Hubbard's company, and his 
brother, Edward P. Hubbard, a private soldier, was among the 
mortally wounded. Some twenty of that company charged the 
works with fixed bayonets, and were among the first to enter 
them. As Kinaker's brigade got close to the works, the most 
of the infantry — ^Alabama reseiwes — retreated toward the river. 
The artillerists, however, held their positions, and, refusing to 
surrender, were shot. Uany of the artillerists were armed with 
rifles. After entering the works, the Twenty-first Missouri and 
Capt. Bostwick's company, of the One Hundi-ed and Twenty- 




220 CAMPAIGN OP MOBILE. 

second Illinois, turned to tlie left and charged down in rear of 
tlie works to the last redoubt. Einaker's brigade took three or 
four battle-flags, the artillery in their front, and several hundred 
prisoners. 

The redoubts in Garrard's front had eighteen embrasures, 
and his division carried all the works in its front, capturing the 
artillery, and sixteen hundred prisoners, including two general 
of&cers. The loss in his division was : commissioned officers, 
two killed and seven wounded ; enlisted men, thirty-nine killed 
and one hundred and seventeen wounded ; total, one hundred 
and sixty-five. 

The total casualties' of the federals, engaged in the assault, 
was one hundred and twenty-seven killed and five hundred and 
twenty-seven wounded ; grand total, six hundred and fifty-four. 
Number of prisoners captured, three thousand four hundred 
and twenty-three, including three general officers. There were 
also captured, several battle-flags, upward of forty pieces of 
artillery, the small arms used by the infantry, and all the gar- 
rison stores. 

It is not easy to estimate the loss of the garrison in killed 
and wounded ; but it was probably a third as large as that of 
the besiegers. There were a few boats out in the stream, and 
some of the garrison attempted to swim to them, and it was 
reported a number were drowned. 

Wellington well said that a battle could not be painted. 
Neither can language fully describe so great and ever-chang- 
ing a scene. 

It has been seen what was the nature of the ground over 
which the assault was made ; that it was cut up by ravines, ^ 
rough, and covered with obstructions. It was known, also, to 
be mined with torpedoes in various places ; and there was 
reason to dread them. 

Thirty-five regiments — fully sixteen thousand troops — partici- 



I 



CAMPAIGN OF KOBILE. 221 

pated in tlie assault. The lines were three miles in length, and 
the advance of the entire line was remarkably simultaneous. 

The scene was picturesque and grand. From different points 
of view the assaulting hues could be seen for a mile or two, as 
far even as the forms of men could be distinguished moving 
over the broken ground. The regimental colors, though not in 
perfect Hne, were steadily advancing, and the troops were dash- 
ing on over and through the obstructions like a stormy wave. It 
was at a moment when the shock of battle was the fiercest. In 
the clamor could be heard the voices of the assaulting troops. 
Nothing could exceed their enthusiasm. If then they could 
have known the great event that had occurred a few hours 
before — that Lee had surrendered — and that their contest would 
probably be the last important struggle of the war, they could 
hardly have experienced more exulting emotions, or pressed 
forward with more dauntless step. It seemed as if " all the joy, 
all the sensation of life, was in that one moment, that they cast 
themselves with the fierce gladness of mountain torrents, head- 
long on that brief revelry of glory." 

Gen. Steele, during the assault, was along the front of the 
Second division, and, with his staff, kept up with the main hne 
of Moore's brigade. "When he saw the advance line entering 
the works, he exclaimed : " I knew they would do it. I told 
you they would go over those works." 

He soon after sat down, and signed a despatch to Gen. Canby, 
which Capt. Lacy, his assistant adjutant-general, had written, in 
these words : " We have stormed the entire line of works, and 
our troops are now in full possession." A reply soon came, 
written by Col. Christensen, saying : " Gen Canby says : ' God 
bless you, and God bless your brave command.' " 

It was dark before the prisoners could be collected together 
and formed to march back with the different divisions to their 
camps ; and gTeat care had to be taken to avoid dangers from 



222 CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 

torpedoes. All the fore part of tliat night, there were occa- 
sional explosions of torpedoes, and a few men were killed by 
them while searching for the dead and wounded. It was a 
discordant and melancholy sound to hear. 



CHAPTER XXIY. 

OBSERVATIONS ON THE SIEGE AND ASSAULT OF BLAKEI.Y. 

1. The fall of Blakely, and caj)ture of its garrison, left the con- 
federates only four thousand five hundred troops for the imme- 
diate defence of Mobile, which being too small a force to hold 
the city, they marched, on the 11th, for Meridian. Gen. Maui-y 
followed at daylight of the 12th. 

Canby, by signals, learned of the evacuation of the city the 
evening of the 11th, and had troops immediately in motion for 
its occupation. Granger, with the First and Third divisions of 
his corps, embarked on transports at Stark's landing, at dayhght 
of the 12th, and, with a portion of the squadron, under Thatcher, 
crossed over the bay, landing two miles below the city, and 
entered it unopposed. The Third division marched on to "\Miist- 
ler's station, and overtook and skh'mished with the rear-guard of 
the confederate column. 

It was not Gen. Canby's purpose, under any circumstances, to 
besiege Mobile from the land side. If the city had held out 
longer, he would have moved across the head ' of the bay, by 
means of transports and pontoons, and established batteries on 
the islands in front of the city. And some steps toward such a 
movement had ah'eady been taken. 

2. The conduct of the garrison of Blakely is, on the wliole, de- 
serving of commendation. The troops manifested much energy 
and sphit during the siege, often making bold salhes in the 
night, and disturbing the besiegers. They were expectiag an 
assault about the time it took place, and felt considerable confi- 



224 CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 

dence tliey could repulse it. Had an assault been made before 
the fall of Spanish fort, it would probably have been more 
bloody, though not repulsed ; for the garrison would have had 
more hope in resisting. But, after they knew that fifteen or 
twenty thousand more troops had come up from Spanish fort 
(these, however, were two miles in the rear in their camps), they 
had reason to feel that the odds against them were too great for 
successful resistance. The assaulting troops had the moral 
reinforcement of the Spanish fort troops. 

The garrison had a large number of sharpshooters or skir- 
mishers in pits three hundred yards in front of their main 
works. These had ,an opportunity to fire only one or two 
rounds, and then fell back ; but there being no covered way, 
and not being able, on account of the obstacles, to move 
rapidly, they were for a short time a sort of cover to the 
assaulting troops, embarrassing, if not preventing, the fire of 
those behind the main works. If, instead of being three hun- 
dred yards to the front, they had been in pits fifty yards in 
front, with approaches to the main works, a double line of 
musketry fire could then have been poured on the assaulting 
troops just as they were reaching the most difiicult abatis. 

The rules for defending fortifications requhe the garrison to 
mount the parapet when they find the assaulting troops are 
attacking closely. This does not appear to have been done 
anywhere on the line. 

3. But it was a mistake to keep the garrison at Blakely an 
hour after the fall of Spanish fort. Every possible means 
shoidd have been used to remove it before an assault could be 
made. But Gen. Maury aEeges : " It woidd have been diiScult 
to do this after day dawned, and up to that time all of Span- 
ish fort garrison had not been transferred from Blakely to 
Mobile." 

4. Gen. Maury, in an account which he wrote of the siege, 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 225 

makes tlie just remark, that "the marshes about Mobile, as 
marshes almost everywhere else, produced a gi-eater moral 
effect upon besiegers and besieged than facts justified." On 
account of the existence of a swamp on the left of the 
besiegers, the investment of Blakelj was not complete on that 
flank to within four or five hundred yards. The swamp was 
narrow, and could have been bridged, and there was no good 
excuse for the investment being incomplete. 

5. Whether the time for the assault icas favorable, is an 
interesting question, and will doubtless be answered affirma- 
tively. The troops engaged in it had the moral support of 
the presence of the rest of the army which had come fi'om 
Spanish fort. When the garrison saw the assaulting lines 
advancing, they felt that the woods behind them were also full 
of troops ; for they had heard of heav;)^ columns moving over 
Minette bayou. Suppose the assault had taken place the day 
before? Is it not probable the resistance w^ould have been 
greater ? They certainly would have had more hope of effect- 
ing a repulse. As it was, the general assault was not repulsed 
at any point. 

It is probable Gen. Steele would not have ordered a general 
assault for two or three days longer had it not been for the fall 
of Spanish fort, such was the distance — from five to six hundred 
yards — to charge over. But it perhaps saved life that the 
assault was made fi"om the third parallel, and without waiting 
till a fourth was dug. The besiegers had come upon torpedoes in 
their digging, and doubtless many lives would have been lost by 
farther extending the approaches and trenches. After the 
assault, it was ascertained the advance trench, on the right of 
the Second di'sdsion, ran between tioo rows of torpedoes ! 

6. The besiegers deserve commendation for the amount of 
vjorh they performed. And, it should be remarked, that not one 
of their number was captui'ed. Yet, unouestionably, more work 

15 



226 CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 

miglit have been performed ; for there are few operations in 
which the energy and industry of men are exhausted. Each 
division constructed its works according to its own plans, and 
with but httle, if any, outside professional assistance. Several 
miles of trenches and approaches were made, and they will long 
remain as proof of the labor that was done. Over the field of 
Blakely the bushes are beginning to grow up, and in a few years 
another forest will no doubt cover the ground. But many of 
the trenches wiU remain. The storms of centuries will not wear 
them away. 



CHAPTER XXy. 

EEDUCTION OF FORTS HUGER AND TRACT. 

Forts Huger and Tracy held out three days after the fall 
of Spanish fort. They v/ere not days of quiet. Guns were 
now turned on them from McDermett and old Spanish 
fort. The Octorara approached nearer and delivered a more 
unerring and effective fire. The old and a new battery 
on Bay Minette shore also hurled against them a copious 
shower of heavy projectiles. Both those forts repHed with 
spirit. Their garrisons expected soon to evacuate, and were 
lavish of ammunition. 

April 9. — Capt. Foust's battery (First Missouri) moved into 
old Spanish fort, unspiked two one-hundred-pounder Brooks' 
rifles, and opened them on Huger. In the eveniag one of them 
was bursted. Another one-hundred-pounder Parrott, under 
Lieut. Parker (First Indiana), was put in the Bay Minette 
shore battery, making two there of that calibre, which were 
also engaged. On the north shore of that bayou, batteries 
were begun for two more one-hundred-pounder rifles and four 
thirty-pounder rifles. 

The Navy. — At twenty minutes past one, A. M., the squacbon 
observed Ughts in Old Spanish fort, and twenty mmutes 
afterward they received a message through the army signal 
officer, that the works were evacuated. 

Torpedoes still held the navy in check ; but energetic efforts 
were being made to remove them. About one hundred and 
fifty had already been removed. A second net having been 



228 CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 

stretched across the channel, about a mile and a half above 
the first one, the intervening part of the channel was swept 
with chains, by tugs. At forty minutes past three, P. M., the 
Octorara and ironclads weighed and stood over the first net, 
steamed up to the second, and came to anchor a thousand 
yards below Old Spanish fort. The tall reeds on the marsh 
so obstructed the view of Huger, that range-stakes were neces- 
sary for pointing the guns ; and as the reeds would not burn, 
men were sent on shore with poles, and a lane was beaten, 
through which the fort could be seen. 

The Octorara now opened fire on Huger with her hundred- 
pounder Parrott, at a 'distance of five thousand four hundred 
yards — a little upward of three miles ! Her first shots fell 
short. Some of the Spanish fort garrison had not yet got 
away from Huger ; the noise of the Octorara' s shells were famil- 
iar to them, and they joyfully congratulated themselves when 
they saw them fall short. Soon, however, a shell came and 
plunged into the river, three hundred yards above the fort. 
The next one struck the very centre of the works, making their 
boggy foundations rock and tremble (to use the expression of 
one who was there) like a ship in a gale of wind. The sub- 
sequent shots told with good effect on their bombproof s. One 
man was killed. 

The confederates thought the Octorara's gun was served with 
remarkable skill. It was a saying among them that it must be 
served by "one-eyed Brannegan," a famous gunner and deserter 
from their service. They considered indeed that it was handled 
with skill surpassing that of Sergeant Bonner, of the Twenty- 
second Louisiana regiment, who was celebrated in the confede- 
rate service for his efficiency in that respect. 

The captain of this hundred-pounder gun on the Octorara, 
and who fired every round, was James Welsch, chief boatswain's 
mate, an old man-of-war's man. He was subsequently dis- 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 229 

cliarged at the end of his three-years term of service. His skill 
was remarkable, and there should be inducements for such men 
to remain in the navy. 

The gun itself was a navy-Parrott rifle, manufactured at the 
West Point foundry, under the supervision of its designer. 
Eighty-pound Parrotf shells were fired from it, with the reduced 
charge of eight pounds of powder. 

April 10. — The morning of the 10th was thick, and a shell 
fired at dayhght, showed that it was best to suspend the fire. 
At half past nine, it was resumed in reply to guns which had 
opened on the Mustang, in which Gen. Bailey had gone up to 
Spanish fort, and continued slowly for two hours. At forty 
minutes past one, p. m., the guns of Huger were firing on the 
squadron's boats, which were sweejDing for torpedoes; and the 
Octorara again opened fire in reply. But diu'ing the day she 
fired only seventy-three rounds. In course of the day the tug 
Glasgow came up with Commodore James S. Palmer on board, 
and being beyond signal distance from the Admiral's ship, his 
pendant as divisional commander, was hoisted. 

Lieut. Beardsley, with Company K, Sixth Michigan, moved 
into Old Spanish fort in the forenoon, and relieved Capt. Foust. 
Besides serving the one hundred-pounder, Beardsley got a new 
thirty-pounder Parrott (made at Selma only a few months 
before) in position and at work. At four, P. M., Capt. Fousfc com- 
menced with two of his hght pieces, and at five, p. m., Beardsley 
got a twenty-pounder Parrott unspiked and at work. All the 
whUe the fire from Huger and Tracy was tremendous, for they 
were using more than a dozen heavy guns without mercy, and 
made it deathly hot around Old Spanish fort. A detachment of 
the Ninety-fourth Illinois opened fire with a thu-ty-pounder on 
McDermett, 

April 11. — ^Foust's battery had been firing all night. At 
eleven o'clock of the same night, Lieut. Beardsley, with ten 



230 CAMPAIGN OP MOBILE. 

men of Ms company, got a hundred-pounder Brooks rifle 
mounted in McDermett on a new carriage tlie garrison had just 
procured, but not used. Much to his surprise, Beardsley found 
that the gun was spiked and shotted. They then worked till it 
was just daylight, when they succeeded in blowing out the spike 
by firing the gun from the muzzle. They had scarcely lain 
down to get a little sleep when the guns from Huger opened on 
them. They then jumped up and returned the fire with the 
one-hundred-pounder. The firing continued heavy and grand 
through the day. It was the last day for great guns in Mobile 
bay — the last for the war. The smoke rolled up in cloudy 
columns. The bellowing peals reverberated far inland and far 
out upon the sea. Four thirty-pounders, from the north shore 
of Bay Minette, fired on Tracy. On the south shore, the two 
one-hundred-pounders, with the eight thirty-pounders of the 
First Indiana, were still engaged. Likewise the guns at Old 
Spanish fort, manned by Foust's company. During the day, a 
salute of one hundred shotted rounds was fired in honor of the 
national victories. Some twenty guns, in all, of the land- 
batteries were delivering a destructive fire on those forts. A 
battery was also in progress on the north shore of Bay Minette 
for two one-hundred-pounders and four thirty-pounders. From 
Huger, shot after shot came in quick succession, ploughing up 
the ground about McDermett. One shot destroyed a wheel of 
a thirty-pounder, and six shots were buried in the magazine. 

The Octorara was also engaged at intervals during the day 
with her one-hundred-pounder. 

In the evening, the guns of Huger and Tracy ceased their 
mighty roar, but not till the garrisons were ready to leave. 

In the evening, Gen. A. J. Smith, with a detachment of his 
corps, went down to the shore of Bay Minette, intending to 
move out in the night in boats and flats and carry Huger and 
Tracy by assault. About ten, P. M., a signal officer, with orders 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 231 

from liim, went to Armstrong's batteiy to have tlie iiriug cease. 
This being complied with, the oflficers soon after tiumecl their 
attention intently on those forts. As they sat peering through 
the darkness, with their glasses in the direction of Huger, they 
saw the glimmer of lanterns passing to and fi'o, and at about 
half-past ten, signal • lights were seen. The indications were 
that the forts were being evacuated. 

At about nine in the evening, the first cutter of the Octorara, 
on picket just below Huger, fell in with a skiff that was pulhng 
down the river. In the skiff were eight men who rej)resented 
themselves to be refugees and deserters from that fort. They 
said, in answer to questions, that Huger and Tracy had been 
hastily evacuated immediately after dark, and that the armament 
and ordnance stores had not been destroyed. This information 
was communicated to the officer in charge of the boats sweeping 
for torpedoes. A landing was made at the forts, and they were 
taken possession of by the officers and men of the boats. It 
seemed a happy and fitting circumstance that these forts should 
first come into the possession of the navy, not because the navy 
had done the most toward compelling their evacuation, but 
because it had done all it was possible to do, and in a good 
spirit. Yet, in the honors of victor}'^ all, of course, have a share. 
It is seldom, if ever, that any particular organization has a right 
to claim them entire ; or to claim a specific share. 

This night the pontoniers happened to be on duty in those 
waters. They had come to take away the canvas bridge — 
the lower one on the bayou — and in some way, it seems, got 
knowledge of the evacuation and entered the forts themselves. 
The next day the guns in those forts had inscriptions on them 
to this effect : " Eleven o'clock, p. M., April 11. Captured by 
the One Hundred and Fourteenth Illinois" (pontoniers). Also, 
the names of individual soldiers. This was an excellent joke, 
and a fine sarcasm on those thoughtless men who would parcel 



232 CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 

out the honors of conquest. For pontoniers, though not 
expected to be the first inside a captiu'ed fort, have a share in 
the glory of the victory, 

Wednesday, April 12. — The channel was swept with chains, 
by tugs, and the Octorara and ironclads, preceded by the Glas- 
gow, steamed up to the obstructions at Huger. The Glasgow 
passed through the gap. During the night, a boat from the 
Octorara went up the Blakely river to the Tensas, and ascer- 
tained there were no other obstructions. At dayhght on the 
13th, the Octorara attempted to foUow the Glasgow through 
the obstractions of the gap, but did not succeed. The channel 
was then blown out, sfnd the wreck of a sunken scow removed. 
At about noon, the Octorara and the ironclads steamed through 
the gap and through Tensas and Spanish rivers, anchoring off 
Mobile at about eight o'clock, P. m. 

Admiral Thatcher was already ofl' Mobile, having the day 
previous, with a portion of the squadron, accompanied Granger's 
forces across the bay from Stark's landing. 

A few days afterward the Sixteenth corps marched rapidly to 
Montgomery. Steele, with his command, proceeded to the same 
place on transj)orts, leaving, however, one division at Selma. 

The campaign may be said to have occupied twenty-two 
days.^ The result has been seen. The number of prisoners 
accounted for by Canby's provost-marshal general was four 
thousand nine hundi'ed and twenty-four. His own loss in 
killed and wounded was fifteen hundred. 

^ Strength of Canbv's army in the field : 

Two dh-isions, and one hrigade of Thirteenth corps, . 13,200 

Sixteenth corps, 16,000 

Engineers, artillery, and cavalry 3.000 

Total, 32.200 

Column under Steele, 13,200 

Grand total, , 45,400 



CHAPTER XXYI. 

ADVENTURES AND INCIDENTS. 

The wheel of fortune does not always withhold its honors 
from those who, at obscure posts, are constant and faithful. 

During the siege of Spanish fort, tlie base of supphes for the 
army was at Stark's landing. The commanding officer at a 
base, every one will admit, should be energetic, vigilant, and 
prudent. Wharves are to be built — labor day and night to be 
performed — ordnance and ammunition are to be received — 
vessels laden with provisions and forage are to arrive and 
be promptly discharged — sick and wounded soldiers are to 
be put aboard vessels and sent off. Industry, good order, 
humanity, should prevail. The quartermaster and commissary 
have much responsibility, but the military commander present 
is also responsible that everything goes right. 

The officer in command at Stark's landing, also in command 
of the engineers, was Gen. Bailey, well-known for distinguished 
service in building a dam on Red river. "While the inspiring 
scenes of battle had been occurring some distance off, yet in his 
hearing, he had been performing the duties of a more secluded 
position. 

On the 9th of April, Gen. Canby being at Blakely, and 
anxious to get transports up to Spanish fort, inquired, through 
Gen. Osterhaus, chief of staff, by telegraph, of Bailey, if he 
could find some courageous captain, who would move uj) and 
try the channel ? 

Gen. Bailey replied, that he would try to find a captain of a 



'234 CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 

vessel who woiild go ; Init, tliat failing to find one, he would go 
himself. Not long afterward he telegraphed again to Gen. 
Canby's headquarters, that the Mustang had come in, and that 
he would go up ou her as soon as her freight was dischai'ged, 
whieh was heing rapidiv done ; and inqnu-ed whether it would 
be better to go that evening or wait till morning. An answer 
promptly came, to wait till morning ; and that the commanding 
general felt much regret that he had determined to go himself 
on so perilous an adventure. 

On the morning of the 10th, Gen. Bailey, with his staff, Maj. 
G. Pien, Foiu-th "VTisconsin cavah-v, Capt. J. H. Meredith, 
Lieuts. Xolan, Hill, -Martin, and Biu'dick, embarked on the 
Mustang. She was a steamer which had formerly ran on the 
Rio Grande, but was now about worn out. 

Ha-s-ing got into the channel, she soon passed the admiral's 
flag-ship, then, farther on, the monitors, and neai" them the 
three siuiken ii'onclads, theii- hulls now just above the water. 
Some hundred yards more brought her to the fii-st torpedo net. 
Her wheels stopped, and she glided over it. Half a mile 
farther they reached the Octorara, the advance gunboat, and 
thei-e anchored. G^n. Bailey, with some of his staff, and the 
captain of the Mustang, went aboard the Octorara, and pro- 
ciued information concerning the channel. He also learned 
the progress that had been made in taking up torpedoes : and 
that there was scarcely any danger in a hght-di'aft boat, like 
the MnstanEC (drawing only two and a half feet"* soins: to 
Spanish fort landing ; as boats and tugs of the squadron, draw- 
ing about as much, had been above there. He also learned 
that he would, in all probability, draw the fii'e of Fort Huger. 
The Mustang then steamed on up the river, and soon passed 
over the second net, fi-om which several torpedoes had been 
taken the night before. After passing this, they had some 
cause to apprehend danger fi-om floating torpedoes. But thdr 






CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 235 

boats were ready to launch in case of accident. Finally, thev 
readied the landing at Spanish fort in safety. 

On going ashore, Gen. Bailey proceeded to the quarters ol 
Col. Bertram ; and had been there but a few minutes, when a 
signal-officer came in and informed him that the commander at 
Tracy had ordered every gun of Huger to be " brought to bear 
on that steamer, and, for G-d's sake, to sink her." At this 
announcement, Gen. Bailey, and staff, hastened on board, to 
put back to Stark's landing. But the Mustang was slow in 
turning, and getting into the channel, and shot and shell were 
all the whUe coming from Huger. Forty-one were fired at the 
Mustang, a few striking her, but they caused no serious injury, 
though an explosion of one of the shells disagreeably be- 
sprinkled some of the party with earth and sand. 

She got back safely to Stark's landing, having been gone four 
hours, and Bailey reported the result of his trip. The com- 
manding general telegraphed the following reply : " Your inter- 
esting report of the expedition to Spanish fort is received ; and 
the promptness and signal bravery displayed by you are highly 
appreciated." 

Incidents of the Siege. — Reckless exposure of hfe in a siege 
commands no part of that applause which is earned by daring 
in its true sense. Yet, hght censure will be cast on such exam- 
ples, considering the tendency for men to grow timid by long 
continued service in trenches. 

The daily history of every regiment in the siege would doubt- 
less exhibit individual acts of gallantry, and even of rashness, 
on the part of the enlisted men. 

On the second day of the siege, Company D, Seventh Minne- 
sota, was on the sku-mish-line in McArthur's front, and had 
approached, under cover of logs and stumps, to within about 
three hundred and fifty yards of the garrison's main hue of 
works. Sergeants Vidito and Canfield, and Private Leighton, 



236 CAMPAIGN or MOBILE, 

were fartliest advanced, and in short mnsket-range of tlie con- 
federates. They were each six foot high, and when thev fii-ed, 
wouki rise fi-om behind a log, stand dehberatelv, and aim, dis- 
charge their muskets, and watch to see the effect. It was only 
after repeated commands fi'om theii" captain that they became 
more cautions. 

The consequence of unnecessarT exposiu'e was more apt to be 
like what occuiTed in the followuig case : On the oth of April, a 
man of the Thii'ty-lifth "Wisconsin persisted in standing on the 
bank in rear of the sunken battery of the Sixth ]Michigan. On 
being told by one of the men that he would be hit, replied : 
" The ball isn't moulded yet that would hit me." Scarcely had 
the words been uttered when he received a ball thi'ough his 
right elbow ; a womid that lost the poor fellow his arm. 

TThen the annals of wai* are tnily written, painful blundei"S are 
often disclosed, which repress the exultation of "sictoiy. 

The night Spanish fort was being evacuated, two federal 
soldiers, who had been for some time held as prisoner's at Fort 
Tracy, managed, amid the darkness and confusion, to make 
their escape in a skiff'. Eeaching the main land, they moved 
cautiously alona; the shore : but some of the federals ha vine; 
followed down after the retreating garrison, heai'd the nistling 
of the bushes, and thinking it was some straggling confederates, 
challenged them to sm-render. Presuming the demand came 
from confederates, the fugitives made no answer, whereupon 
they were fii-ed on, and one of them was instantly killed. The 
other cried for quarter, and soon found himself among fiiends. 
The body of liis dead comrade was secured and buried with 
funeral honors. 

So, during the siege, each side lost a few killed by the 
accidents or mistakes of its own firing. 

The night before the linal bombardment, Capt. Gaiiity and 
a man of his battery made their way up to where the federals, 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 237 

in McArthur's front, were digging an approach, and so close 
that some of the dirt was thrown upon them. Garrity listened 
to the talk of the men, and heard them say, " We'll give the 
rebels to-morrow." 

One night, in the same division front, some confederates 
came out to reUeve the sharpshooters, and the federals gave 
them a volley that quite disconcerted them, and drove the 
most of them back into the main works. In the excitement, 
one of their number, a son of Erin, ran up to one of the federal 
pits, and stooping down, anxiously inquired, " Is this No. 3 ?" 
" Yes ; jump down quick !" was the answer. Down he jumped, 
a prisoner. 

One night, the Eighth Wisconsin skirmishers captured a 
small confederate post of three men, one of whom was an 
Irishman. He was asked if the confederates had any torpedoes 
in their front, and rej)lied, " I trod light when I came out." 

Sometimes the firing between the federal and confederate 
sharpshooters would cease, and there would be some conver- 
sation between them. It was, however, specially prohibited, 
on tlie part of the latter, by the garrison commander ; yet the 
men were instructed by every means practicable to exaggerate 
the numbers of the garrison. 

Conversation, when it occurred, was generally jocular and 
sarcastic in its character, and often partook of criticism of the 
artillery. When a federal addressed a confederate, he called 
out, "Holloa, Johnny." The confederate answered, "Holloa, 
Yank." One day, in front of McDermett, a federal soldier had 
called out to the confederates several times, but got no answer. 
Finally, in good earnest, he asked why they so refused to 
answer. The confederate rephed, "Because you all insult us 
so when we talk with you." 

Soldiers are proverbial for their wit and good humor, and the 
confederates were no exception to the rule. They used to say, 



238 CAMPAIGN OF kOBILE. 

"Jeff. Davis will have to rent a piece of land to fight the war out 
on." They often declared, "We are fighting for our rights in the 
territories under the Dred Scott decision." 

In Spanish fort the artillerists named their heavy guns in 
honor of the ladies of their officers, with the name in large capi- 
tals placarded on the gun as " The Lady Gibson," " The Lady 
Slocum," " The Lady Maury," &c., &c. The gunners spoke of 
them by these names instead of No. 1, 2, &c., and were always 
exceedingly pohte and comphmentary to them. They also 
named the federal guns, but called them " Anna Maria," " Sarah 
Jane," "Elizabeth Ann," &c., &c. And when a federal gun 
fired, the sentinel would say, " Look out, boys, Anna Maria is 
going to speak." It would pass down the line, and all knew in 
advance the direction the shot would come, and get shelter. 
Then when one of their guns was to be fired, they would say, 
" Ah, my lads ! Look out now for the Lady Slocum ; when she 
speaks the Yanks must hush up and hide." 

The effect of some of the shells was fearful. One day a fede- 
ral mortar shell fell inside the garrison works, plunged through 
seven feet of earth and logs, and killed four men and wounded 
three, all of whom were asleep. One of the men was thrown up 
twenty feet into the air and came down dead, of course, for 
every bone in him was broken ; but he was not at all torn. 



CHAPTER XXVII. 

FURTHER OPERATIONS OF LUCAS' CAVALRY— COMBAT OF MOUNT 

PLEASANT. 

On the morning of April 5, Gen. Lucas moved out from 
near Blakely witli all of his command, except the Thirty-first 
Massachusetts mounted infantry, taking ten days' half rations, 
and all the forage the men could carry, to occupy Claiborne, on- 
the Alabama river. The same night he camped at Stockton, 
and the next morning continued his march. On the fore- 
noon of the 7th, while halting to feed, a fr*eedman came to 
him, on his way from Gen. Wilson, bearing despatches from that 
officer to Gen. Canby. He had come down the river, ha^'ing 
passed through more than one confederate camp, but had eluded 
detection. The papers were carefully sewed up in the collar of 
his vest. Gen. Lucas furnished the faithful man a mule to ride,, 
and sent him on to Gen. Canby, with a guard, under a sergeant. 

Combat of Mount Pleasant. — From the same bearer of des- 
patches, Lucas learned that a force had recently come up from 
Mobile and occupied Claiborne ; and he resolved to capture it. 
With that view, he marched till a late hour in the night. Start- 
ing at daylight the next morning, April 8th, some delay was 
soon after experienced in repairing a bridge so as to cross his 
artillery. At Mount Pleasant, Maj. Ives, with a battalion of the 
First Louisiana cavafry, had dispersed a detachment of militia. 
The column halted an hour at that place to feed, and on resum- 
ing the march, Maj. Ives kept a quarter of a mile in advance. 
In course of an hour, while marching along in the wood, where 



240 caxpaictX of ^roBiLE. 

the ground was swampv. Lis battalion Tras met nnexpectedlT br 
a sharp volleT of miisketrr, proceeding from a force drawn up in 
line of battle, but nearly concealed, on the farther side of a 
piece of low ground. The suddenness of the attack checked 
the advance, and, for a moment, threw it into confusion ; but 
order was soom restored, and Maj. lyes deployed his small force, 
answered the fire, yet had to fall back, though slowly. Lucas 
beino- near at hand, ordered the remainder of the Fh-st Louisi- 
ana, under Lieut.-Col. Badger, forward at the gallop, and the 
rest of the cohmin to follow at a trot. The First Louisiana, 
haying deployed, made a gallant charge on the attacking force. 
The latter consisted 'of the Fifteenth confederate cayalry. It 
was well posted; but the charge was so spirited and well 
supported that they made but brief resistance, and then gaye 
way. Lucas pursued with yigor for two miles, capturing two 
battle-flags, three commissioned officers, and sixty men, with 
many horses and anns. The yictory would haye been more 
complete but for the miry nature of the ground. The loss in 
Lucas' command was confined to the First Louisiana, and con- 
sisted of two men killed, and one commissioned officer (Lieut. 
Boyle'i and four men wounded. The casualties of the Fifteenth 
confederate were reported to be greater. That regiment retired 
north, moying rapidly through Claiborne. Lucas reached 
that place at eleyen, p. ii., and went into camp. "While there, 
his scouts captured several more prisoners, some of whom 
were officers or agents of importance, and by the 18th, the 
whole number in his possession was one hundred and fifty. 
On that eiay, pursuant to orders from Gen. Canby, he marched 
for Blakely. 



CHAPTER XXVIII. 

OPERATIONS OF WILSON'S CAVALRY IN ALABAMA. 

While Canby was moving upon Mobile, Thomas caused a 
diversion to be made in his favor by a column of cavalry 
under Brevet Maj.-Gen. J. H. Wilson. But the operations of 
that column included results beyond those of a co-operative 
character ; and they have hardly ever been surpassed, even 
by the achievements of Alexander. 

The condition and purposes of the confederates in Central 
Alabama show that the flank and rear of Canby's army 
would have been much harassed but for Wilson's movement. 
Lieut.-Gen. Taylor, commanding the department of Alabama, 
Mississippi, and East Louisiana, in some respects, it is true, 
was in straitened circumstances. He could no longer procure 
materials nor transportation on credit, and was dependent on the 
funds derived from the produce loan, cotton being the maia 
article. There were many deserters from his forces ;' and soon 
after the fall of Mobile and Selma, he would have accej)ted 
colored troops but for a lack of arms.- Nevertheless, there was 

1 Gapt. Surget [A. A. G.), to Gen. Hodges, March 16. — ^Calls his attention to 
the large number of deserters and absentees, and adds: "Employ the Texas 
and Arkansas troops in vigorously hunting down all those who fail to comijly 
with the provisions of those orders. Some cases of shooting would have a 
beneficial effect." 

2 April 15, 1865. — Mr. Wm. Lyon, of Deraopolis, Ala., who, on behalf of 
citizens of Marengo and adjoining counties, tenders the miUtary services of 
negroes, is informed that, although Lieut.-Gen. Taylor has no instructions from 
Richmond on the subject, he would accept the services of negro troops if he 

16 



242 CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 

a respectable force ready for service in the field. And Taylor 
entertained a hope that he would be able to defeat the federal 
columns in detail.^ Forrest, having command of the cavalry, 
was at West Point, Mississippi. On the 23d of March, Taylor 
ordered troops to Greenville to resist Steele, who was then 
thought to be moving on Montgomery, ^ His veteran battalions 
were directing their steps southeastwardly, when the rattling of 
Wilson's sabres was heard from the north. ^ Then they paused, 
and soon wheeled about. Taylor hoped he would be able to 
overpower this unexpected column ; and he promised Maury 
that when he had accomplished that purpose he would go to his 
assistance.* 

had arms for them. The assistant adjutant-general requests Mr. Lyon to ascer- 
tain the number that can be had. 

1 LieuL-Gen. Taylor to Gen. R. E Lee: ^^ Meridian, March 27 His 

[enemy's] cavahy, from Florida coast, has struck Montgomerj^ railroad at 
Evergreen. A raid advancing from North, and another from northeast Ala- 
bama, toward Selma and Montgomery. Another threatening Prairie region 
from Memphis. My intention is to meet and whip these detached columns 
before they can advance far into the country or unite with each other." 

2 Gapt. 8urget to Gen. D. W. Adams, Selma or Montevallo : " March 23. — 
Armistead reports enemy moving. Direct Gen. Bufo'rd to move at once for 
Greenville via Selma, or point where pontoon is. Assist the movement by 
sending baggage by rail and steamboat. Forrest wiU send other troops to con- 
centrate at same point. Communicate with Armistead and dispose troops as 
movements of enemy may render advisable. Push forward completion of the 
pontoon near Selma." 

Gapt. Surgdj to Gen. D. W. Adams : " March 25. — Greenville is the point 
toward which all troops be pushed rapidly as possible." 

Same to Same. — " Chalmers' and Jackson's divisions are ordered via Finche's 
ferry to Selma." 

Taylor to Gen. B. W. Adams, Montevallo : " West Point, Miss., March 25. — 
Troops are being pushed forward to Selma to meet raid from below. Use 
every exertion to prevent them cutting road to Pollard and Columbus." 

3 Taylor to Forrest: "March 27. — Gens. Adams and Roddy are still of 
opinion that it is a large and well-equipped cavahy force moving from 
above." 

* To Gen. Maury : '' Ma7'ch 28. — The Lieutenant-General hopes in three or 
four days to whip the large raid moving from north, and then will be in con- 
dition to assist you." 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 243 

Organization of Wilson's Cavalry. — For several weeks pre- 
vious to tlie campaign, the cavalry corps of the military division 
of the Mississippi, numbering twenty-two thousand, had been in 
camp on the north bank of the Tennessee, at Gravelly Springs 
and Waterloo. The surface of the country is there rolling ; the 
soil rocky. The men had comfortable quarters, the horses good 
shelter, and supphes were furnished in abundance. The fault 
in the cavahy system had previously been overwork in detach- 
ments, a,nd the absence of instruction and uniformity of equip- 
ment. Gen. Wilson instituted a thorough system of instruction, 
and every necessary effort was made to bring the corps to the 
highest possible state of efficiency. The troops were drilled in 
the double-rank formation. Wilson discovers the true genius of 
a soldier when he says that the future victories of the corps 
were " won by patient industry and instruction while in the can- 
tonments of GraveUy Springs and Waterloo." 

Early in February, Knipe's division, numbering five thousand, 
was sent round by water to Cauby, leaving under Wilson's 
immediate command seventeen thousand men, requiring about 
five thousand horses for a complete remount. The lack of horses 
compelled him, reluctantly, to leave Hatch's division at East- 
port, and the divisions assigned for the march, were the Firstj 
Second, and Fourth, commanded, respectively, by McCook, Long, 
and Upton ; comprising, in all, a little over twelve thousand 
mounted men. The dismounted men of the three divisions, 
numbering fifteen hundred, were designated as escort for the 
supply train ; were organized into battahons, and commanded 
by Maj. Archer. 

The division commanders were directed to see that every 
trooper was provided with five days' light rations in haversacks, 
twenty-four pounds of grain, one hundred rounds of ammuni- 
tion, and one pair of extra horseshoes for his horse ; that the 
pack-animals were loaded with five days' rations of hard-bread, 



244 CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 

ten of sugar, coffee, and salt ; and the wagons with forty-five 
days' rations of coffee, twenty of sugar, fifteen of salt, and 
eighty rounds of ammunition. This allowance was prescribed 
on the basis of a sixty days' campaign, and under the supposi- 
tion that the command would be able to supply itself from the 
country through which it marched, with everything else in 
abundance. Only enough hard-bread was taken to last through 
the sterile region of North Alabama. 

The. supply and baggage train numbered about two hundred 
and fifty wagons, and was under the charge of Captain, W. E. 
Brown, acting chief quartermaster. 

In addition, there was a light canvas pontoon train of thirty 
boats, transported by fifty six-mule wagons, and in charge of a 
battalion of the Twelfth Missouri cavalry, Maj. J. M. Hubbard 
commanding. ^ 

Wilson's instructions from Lieut.-Gen. Grant, allowed him the 
amplest discretion, as an independent commander. 

The March. — As the rains had retarded Canby's columns, so 
the overflow of the Tennessee delayed Wilson ; and it turned 
out that there was a happy concurrence in their movements. 
Wilson commenced crossing the Tennessee on the 18th of 
March ; and at daylight of the 22d, the order of march having 
been designated, the movement began from Chickasaw. The 
scanty condition of the country, and the purpose of creating 
doubt in the mind of the enemy as to the real object of the 
column, rendered it prudent that it should move on diverging 
routes. 

Upton's division, followed by his train, marched rapidly by 
the most easterly route, passing Barton's station, EusselviUe, 



1 Here, and in many of the following pages, I borrow largely from the 
report of Brevet Maj.-Gen. J. H. "Wilson, dated Macon, Georgia, June 29, 
1865. 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 245 

Mount Hope, and Jasper, to Sanders' ferry, on ttie west fork ot 
the Black Warrior river. 

Long's division marched by the way of Cherokee station and 
Frankfort ; but being encumbered by the pontoon train, and 
having mistaken the road by which it should have ascended 
the mountain, was considerably delayed in reaching E-usselville. 
Thence it marched south, by the Tuscaloosa road, till it crossed 
Upper Bear creek ; then turned to the eastward, by the head of 
Buttahatchie creek, crossed Byler's road near Thorn hill, and 
struck Blackwater creek about twenty-five miles from Jasper, 
The crossing of the last-mentioned stream, and the road for six 
miles beyond, were as bad as could be, but, by industry, every- 
thing was got through to Jasper, and the ford on the Warrior, 
with but httle loss of time. 

McCook's division pursued the same route to Bear creek on 
the Tuscaloosa road, but instead of turning to the eastward 
at that place, continued the march toward Tuscaloosa as far 
as Eldridge, and thence east to Jasper. 

In this order the whole command arrived at and crossed the 
Black Warrior river. 

The ford on the west branch was extremely difficult of 
approach as well as of passage. The country on both sides, 
very rugged and six or seven hundred feet above the bed of 
the stream, was entirely destitute of forage ; the stream itself 
was at the time hkely to become entirely impassable by the rain 
which threatened to occur at any moment. Wilson, therefore, 
having heard at Jasper, on the 27th, that a part of Forrest's 
force imder Chalmers, was marching by way of Bridgeville 
toward Tuscaloosa, and apprehending that the balance of For- 
rest's force might be sent in the same direction, directed his 
division commanders to replenish the haversack, to see that 
the pack animals were fully laden, to leave all the wagons, 
except the artillery, and march vdth the greatest possible 



246 CAMPAiax OF mobile. 



1 



rapidity, Wa Eljtoii to MouteTallo. He felt conlideut tlie 
enemy would endeavor to cheek Ms movement -witli tlie hope 
of desti\mug the siipplv ti-ain. So he left it between the two 
streams, with instructions to have it pushed on as far as Elyton, 
where it would receive fiu'ther orders. In crossing the two 
branches of the TTai'rior each division lost a few horses, but 
no men. 

TVhile at Elyton, on the evening of the 30th, "Wilson directed 
McCook to detach Croxton's brigade, with orders to move on 
Tuscaloosa as rapidly as possible, burn the public stores, mili- 
tary college, bridges, foundries, and factories there, return 
toward the main column by the way of Centerville road, 
and rejoin it at or in the vicinity of Sehna. Besides covering 
the trains and inflicting a heavy blow on the enemy, Wilson 
hoped by that detachment to develop any movement intended 
to intercept his main column. The achievements and hazards 
of Croxtons brigade will be related hereafter. 

On the 28th, Forrest was moviag fi-om TTest Point via Finche's 
ferry ; and the same day he learned that Lren, Dan. Adams' 
scouts from Montevallo reported the federals moving on Tusca- 
loosa witli a force estimated at five thousand. On that day, 
also, he was informed that Gen. Adams reported that three 
divisions under TTilson camped at Jasper the night of the 
26th, and that their destination was Elyton and Montevallo. 
On the 2Stli, the Kentucky brigade was put in motion to strike 
tlie federal rear from Tuscaloosa. On the 29th, ordei-s were 
again sent to Gen. TV. L. Brandon to send twenty-five himdred 
Mississippi reserves from Scooba to "West Point. 

Sl'irmishe-s near Montevalio. — Gen. ITpton's division in the 
advance encountered a small mounted force at Elyton, but 
pushed it rapidly across the Cahawba to Montevalio. The 
enemy having felled trees into the ford and otherwise obstructed 
it, the railroad brid^ce near Hillsborougli was floored over bv 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 247 

Gen. E. F. Winslow's brigade. Upton crossed his division and 
pushed on to Montevallo, where he arrived late in the evening 
of the 30th. Winslow's brigade had a slight skirmish just 
before entering Montevallo, which was participated in by three 
companies of the Fourth Iowa, under Maj. W. W. Woods, and 
one man of the Fourth Iowa was slightly wounded. Long and 
McCook marched by the same route. In that region Uj[)ton's 
division destroyed the Ked Mountain, Central, Bibb, and Co- 
lumbiana iron-works, Cahawba rolling miUs, five collieries, and 
much valuable property; all of which were m fuU operation. 
Wilson arrived at Montevallo, on the afternoon of March 31, 
where he found Upton's division ready to resume the march. 
Directly after, the confederates made their appearance on the 
Selma road, pushing in the federal pickets. By Gen. Wilson's 
direction, Upton moved his division out at once, Gen. A. J. 
Alexander's brigade being in advance. After a sliai*p fight and 
handsome charge, by the Fifth Iowa cavalry, Col. J. M. Yomig 
commanding, Alexander's brigade drove the confederate cavalry, 
a part of Crossland's Kentucky brigade, and Roddy's division, 
rapidly and in confusion toward Randolph. On their seeking 
to make a stand at Six-Mile creek, south of Montevallo, Upton 
caused Rodney's battery (I, Fourth United States artillery) to 
take position and open fire, and pushed Winslow's brigade to 
the front. The Tenth Missouri cavahy, Lieut. Col. F. W. Ben- 
teen commanding, dismounted and forced the confederates from 
their position, the Tenth suffering a loss of two men woimded. 
While that regiment was moimtiag, the Third Iowa cavahy. Col. 
J. W. Noble commanding, took the advance and charged the 
confederates with one company at a time on the road when 
their column was in retreat. A portion of the confederates 
being separated from their main force, Capt. Johnson, of the 
Third, ■v\'ith two companies, was sent to the right and charging 
with vigor and gallantry, captured a number. On the main 



248 CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 

road, the confederates were driveii to Eandolpli, leaving many 
animals and men along the road. Winslow's brigade took 
seventj-five prisoners. The Thii-d Iowa behaved with its 
habitual gall?.ntrj. It was led by Col. Noble, whose adjutant 
lost his horse in the first charge. Meantime, the enemy being 
familiar with the ground attacked the rear and right of Wins- 
low's brigade, when Lieut.-Col. Peters, commanding the Fourth 
Iowa, dismounted seven companies of that regiment, charged 
the enemy, driving him about two miles, killing and wounding 
several and capturing two. The loss of the Fourth was three 
severely, and two shghtly wounded. The gallantry of men and 
officers had been conspicuous thi'oughout the day, and much 
increased the moral supremacy of the corps. 

Upton's division bivouacked that night fourteen miles south 
of Montevallo, and at dawn the next day, April 1, moved forward 
to Randolph. At that point, in pursuance of the order of march 
for the day. Gen. Upton turned to the east, for the purpose 
of going by the way of Old Maplesville, and thence by the Old 
Selma road, while Gen. Long was instracted to push forward 
on the new road. 

Cajjture of Despatches. — At Randolph, Upton's scouts cap- 
tured a confederate courier just from Centreville, from whose 
person were taken two despatches, one from Brig.-Gen. "W. H. 
Jackson, commanding one of Forrest's divisions, and one from 
Major Anderson, Forrest's chief of staff. From the first "Wil- 
son learned that Forrest, with a part of his command, was in his 
front — which had also been learned from prisoners — that Jack- 
son with his division, and all the wagons and artiheiy of the 
confederate cavahy, marching from Tuscaloosa, via Trion 
toward Centreville, had encamped the night before at Hill's 
plantation, three miles beyond Scottsboro ; that Croxton, with 
the brigade detached at Elyton, had struck Jackson's rear 
guard at Trion and interposed himself between it and the train ; 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 249 

tliat Jackson had discovered this, and intended to attack Crox- 
ton at daylight, April 1. He learned from the other despatch 
that Chalmers had also arrived at Marion, Alabama, and had 
been ordered to cross to the east side of the Cahawba, near 
that place, for the purpose of joinmg Forrest in "Wilson's 
fr-ont, or in the works at Selma. He also learned that a force 
of dismounted men were stationed at Centreville, with orders to 
hold the bridge over the Cahawba as long as possible, and in no 
event to let it fall into the hands of the federals. 

Shortly after the interception of these despatches Wilson 
received a despatch fr^om Croxton, written from Trion, the night 
before, stating he had struck Jackson's rear ; and instead of 
pushing on toward Tuscaloosa, as he was ordered, he would 
follow and endeavor to bring him to an engagement, hoping, 
thereby to prevent his Junction with FoiTest. 

Having this information, Wilson directed McCook to strength- 
en the battalion previously ordered to Centreville, by a regiment 
and to follow at once with La Grange's entfre brigade, leaving 
all pack-trains and wagons with the main column, so that he 
could march with the utmost celerity ; and afrer seizing the 
Centreville bridge, and leaving it under protection of a sufficient 
guard, to cross the Cahawba, and continue his march by the 
Scottsville road toward Trion. His orders were to attack and 
break up Jackson's forces, form a junction with Croxton, if 
practicable, and rejoin the corps, with his entire division, by 
the Centreville-road to Selma. Although McCook did not leave 
Eandolph till near eleven, A. M., and the distance to Scottsville 
was nearly forty miles, Wilson hoped, by the movement to do 
more than secure the Centreville bridge, and prevent Jackson 
fr'om joining the force in front of the main column. 



250 CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 



BATTLE OF EBENEZER CHURCH. 



Having anticipated Forrest, in liis cliaracteristic plan of get- 
ting upon tlie rear of his adversary, Wilson directed Long and 
Upton to allow him no rest, but push him toward Selma with 
the utmost rapidity. Those officers comprehended the situa- 
tion, and pressed forward, with zeal and activity, on the roads 
that have been indicated. The advance of both divisions 
encountered small parties of confederates, but drove them 
'back to their main force at Ebenezer church, six miles north 
of Plantersville. Forrest had chosen a position on the north 
bank of Bogler's creek", and disposed of his force for battle, his 
right resting on Mulberry creek, and his left on a high wooded 
ridge, with four pieces of artillery to sweep the Randolph road, 
upon which Long's division was advancing, and two on the 
Maples^dlle road. He had under his command, in line, Arm- 
strong's brigade of Chalmers' division ; Koddy's division ; Cross- 
land's Kentucky brigade ; and a battalion of three hundi'ed 
infantry, just arrived from Selma ; in all, about &ve thousand 
men. Part of his front was covered by a slashing of pine trees 
and rail barricades. 

Gen. Long, on discovering the confederates in strength close 
upon the main body, reinforced his advance guard (a battalion 
of the Seventy-second Lidiana mounted infantry) by the balance 
of the regiment, dismounted, and formed it on the left of the 
road. As it moved forward, the confederate advance fell back. 
At that juncture, he ordered forward four companies of the 
Seventeenth Indiana mounted infantry, Lieut.-Col. Frank "White 
commanding. With drawn sabres, that gallant battahon drove 
the enemy, in confusion, into the main line, dashed against that, 
broke through it, rode over the artillery, and, finally, turned to 
the left, and cut its way out, leaving one officer and sixteen men 
in the hands of the confederates, either killed or woimded. In 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 251 

tliis charge, Capt. Taylor, of the Seventeenth Indiana, lost his 
Hfe, after having led his men into the very midst of the enemy, 
and engaged in a running fight, of two hundred yards, with 
Forrest in person. 

"While this was transpiring, Upton's division was coming from 
a northeasterly direction on the Maplesville road. Alexander's 
brigade was in the advance, and hearing the firing and cheers 
of Long's men on the right, when within three miles of Ebenezer 
church, pushed forward at the trot, and soon came to the scene 
of action. Alexander promptly deployed his brigade mostly on 
the right of the road, intending to connect with Long's left, and 
soon afterward advanced his hne dismounted. In less than an 
hour, although the resistance was determined, the ]30sition was 
carried by a gallant charge, and the confederates routed. Gen. 
Alexander's brigade captured two guns and about two hundred 
prisoners, while one gun fell into the hands of Gen. Long's 
division. 

Winslow's brigade came up just as the engagement was being 
decided ; and two regiments, the Third Iowa leading, were 
hastened to the front. Capt. Arnim's Company I of the Third 
was thrown out on the left of the road, and directed to charge 
a hne formed on the bank of the creek four hundred yards fi'om 
the head of "Winslow's column. That company, having to 
throw down a fence under severe fire, had one ofiicer, Lieut. J. 
J. Yeach, and several men woimded, losing also about fifteen 
horses. The column moving forward the last of Forrest's forces 
retired, and the Thu^l Iowa cavahy pursued them five miles to 
Plantersville. Capt. John Brown's Company L charged over a 
deep stream, captiu^ed a color company, and, indeed, more men 
than his command numbered. 



CHAPTER XXIX. 

CAVALRY OPERATIONS CONTINUED.— BATTLE OF SELMA. 

The night of April 1, Wilson's corps bivouacked near Plant- 
ersville, nineteen miles from Selma. "With, almost constant 
fighting, it had driven its adversaries twenty-four miles since 
morning. It gave them no pause nor rest. At daylight of the 
2d, Long's division took the advance, closely followed by 
Upton's. Wilson, having paid heed to that important injunction 
of Napoleon — to be informed of the condition of the enemy- 
had obtained a well-drawn sketch, and complete description of 
the defences of Selma. 

That city is situated on the north bank of the Alabama river, 
about one hundred feet above high water. It contained an 
arsenal and foundries, and was the most important confederate 
depot of the southwest. 

Itii fortifications consisted of a bastioned line on a radius of 
nearly three miles, extenduig from the Alabama river below to 
the same above the city. That part of the hne west of the city 
was covered with a miry, deep, and almost impassable creek, with 
sloping banks ; that on the east side, by a swamp, extending 
from the river almost to the SummerviUe road, and entirely 
impracticable for mounted men at all times. On the east side 
also is a stream with high and precipitous banks. The profile 
of the works was as follows : Height of parapet, six to eight 
feet ; thickness, eight feet ; depth of ditch, five feet ; width, 
from ten to fifteen feet ; height of stockade on the glacis, five 
feet; sunk in the earth, four feet. The place was indeed 



KOTKS 

3 Stccka^e Prison 
4t J^val J^ouTtdn- 
6 aSAJ^ojtndry- S?iot 
SheG. Jc^hchinery 

6 do- do. Ctzsttn^s 

7 do. do. R.R. Car 
Mlieels ct c. 

8 do. "^Vare House 

9 do. do. Cotton 
\20 R-R-H^airinq ^ Marine SJtap 

n Jbn'derMia 

12 do* Magaxine 

23 ILR.En0ine Souses 

M RJR^Depats 

25 Coed- Skutes 

2£ Sarracks 



SattgiyJ ^ih.r.S 





Profile ofstodcaded R.P, 
^_^H~ Xiao of cvitUnuous Farapet. 

Line of stockaded. RiAePit. 

Inner J.int^ fUeasy "Worksi \ad\ni3hed-, 
One 30 Pdn Parrott ciiptured in, 
27a 2 commanding 
Bange Lino Road,. 

Nos. J to 24^ Cufht Wbrfa on outer Zinv ■ 
ibrField ArtOlery Bastions Jiodans 
tlcwit/i 77 Embrasures. 
a.!) c JZanJdruf Redajts <<" c- 
d-id. Sndosed Bastions fbrRi/termn: 
/^ 19 Field Guns captured in Positxon, ( 
othtrs cupturcd fust outside of 

h Ponton Rrid,/e. 



JklAP OF THE CITY 
OF 

SELMAAND ITS DEFENCES 

ALABAMA 

Captured by Assault by the Cavalry Corps M.D. M. 

April 2d. 1865 

Bvt.Maj. Genl. J.H.WILSOX Comdg. 

Scale 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 253 

strongly and elaborately fortified, and the stockade in fi'out of 
the ditch was no inconsiderable obstruction. 

Wilson directed Long to march by the flanks of brigades, 
approach the city, and cross to the Summer^dlle road, without 
exposing his men, and to develop his Hne as soon as he should 
arrive in fi'ont of the works. Upton was directed to move on 
the Range Line road, sending a squadron on the Bmnsville 
road. Lieut. Eendelbrook, with a battahon of the Fom-th 
United States cavalry, was instructed to move down the rail- 
road, burning stations, bridges, and trestle-work, as far as 
Burnsville. By rapid marching, without opposition, the troops 
were all in sight of the town, and mostly in position, by 
four, P. M. 

Lieiit.-Gen. Taylor left the city at about that houi', leaving 
Forrest in command, who had under him a garrison numbering 
nearly seven thousand, including the citizen militia. Preachers 
of the gospel took muskets and went into the trenches. 

ASSAULT. 

As Gen. Wilson approached the city he perceived that the 
information he had received was generally correct. He then 
made a reconnoissance of the works from left to right, for the 
purpose of satisfying himself as to the true point of attack, and 
the probable chances of success. He directed Gen. Long to 
assault the works by moving diagonally across the road upon 
wliich his troops were posted, while Gen. Upton, at his own 
request, with a picked force of three hundred men, was directed 
to penetrate the swamps upon his left, break through the line 
covered by it, and turn the garrison's right, the balance of his 
division to conform to the movement. The signal for the ad- 
vance was to be the discharge of a single gun fi'om Eodney's 
battery, to be given as soon as Upton's turning movement 
had developed itself. 



254 CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 

Before that plan could be executed, and while waiting for 
the signal to advance, Gen. Long was informed that a strong 
force of confederate cavah-y had begnin skirmishing with his 
rear, and threatened a general attack upon his pack train and 
led horses. He had left a force of six companies well posted at 
the creek, in anticipation of that movement, afterward ascer- 
tained to have been made by Chalmers, in obedience to the 
instructions of Forrest. This force was at Marion the day 
before, and was expected on the road from that place. Fearing, 
lest the affair might compromise the assault upon the main 
position. Long (having strengthened the rear by another regi- 
ment), determined to make the assault at once, and without 
waiting for the signal, gave the order to advance. His com- 
mand was formed in line of battle dismounted, the Seventeenth 
Indiana mounted infantry on the right, and next, from right to 
left, the One Hundred and Twenty-third Illinois and Mnety- 
eighth Illinois mounted infantry, the Fourth Ohio cavalry, and 
Fourth Michigan cavalry, comprising in all fifteen hundred 
officers and men. They had to charge across open ground six 
hundred yards to the works, exposed to the fire of artillery and 
musketry, and that part of the line they were to assault was 
manned by Armstrong's brigade, regarded as the best of For- 
rest's corps, and numbering fifteen hundred strong. Long's 
division sprang forward in an unfaltering manner. Its flanks 
had some difficulty in crossing a ravine and marshy soil ; but in 
less than fifteen minutes it had swept over the works and 
driven the confederates in confusion toward the city. But 
the loss was considerable, and among the wounded was Gen. 
Long himself, who was temjDorarily succeeded in command 
by Col. Minty. Wilson arrived on that part of the field just 
after the works were carried. He at once notified Upton of the 
success, directed Col. Minty to form Long's division for a 
new advance, ordered Col. Tail, commanding the Seventeenth 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 255 

Indiana, to place liis own regiment and the Fom'tli United 
States cavalry, Lieut. O'Connel, and the Board of Trade bat- 
tery, Capt. Kobinson commanding, and renewed the attack. 
The garrison had occupied a new line, but partially finished, on 
the edge of the city. A gallant charge by the Fourth United 
States cavalry was repulsed, but it rapidly re-formed on the 
left. It was now quite dark. Upton's division advancing at 
the same time, a new charge was made by the Fourth Ohio, 
Seventeenth Indiana, and Fourth cavalry, dismounted. The 
troops, inspired by the wildest enthusiasm, swept everything 
before them, and penetrated the city in all directions. Upton's 
division, though encountering less resistance, charged with its 
habitual spirit and devotion. It was said that the men, finding 
it too difficult to break down or pry away the sharp-pointed 
stockade in front of the earthworks, those behind, coming on 
swiftly, jumped on the shoulders of the foremost and leaped 
the obstructions, thus storming the works by a game of " leap- 
frog."^ Nor was such a humorous expedient inconsistent with 
the coolness and fervid valor of those splendid troops. 

Duiing the first part of the action, the Chicago Board of 
Trade battery had occupied a commanding position, and steadily 
replied to the garrison guns. 

The loss in Long's division was forty Idlled and two hundred 
and sixty wounded. Of the latter, besides Long, were Cols. 
Miller, McCormick, and Briggs. "Wilson's force, engaged and 
in supporting distance, was nine thousand men and eight guns. 

The garrison fought with considerable coolness and skill. 
Forrest was reported to have been engaged personally in 
two or three romantic combats ; and he, with Gens. Armstrong, 
Koddy, and Adams, and a number of men, escaped under cover 
of darkness, by the Burnsville or river road. A portion of 

^ higersoU's Iowa and the Rebellion, p. 465. 



256 CAMPAIGN OP MOBILE. 

CJpton's division pursued on the Burnsville road until long 
after midnight, capturing four guns and many prisoners. 

The immediate fruits of Wilson's victory were thu^ty-one 
field guns and one thirty-pounder Parrott ; two thousand seven 
hundred prisoners, including one hundred and fifty officers ; a 
number of colors, and large quantities of stores of every kind. 

As soon as the troops could be assembled and got into 
camp. Brevet Brig.-Gen. Winslow was assigned to the command 
of the city, with orders to destroy everything that could benefit 
the confederate cause. In the excitement of the hour, some 
acts of plunder were committed. 

Gen. Upton was directed to march at dayHght with his 
division, for the purpose of driving Chalmers to the west side 
of the Catawba, to open communication with McCook, who was 
expected from Centreville, and to assist him in bringing in 
the train. 

In anticipation of the fall of Selma the confederates burned 
twenty-five thousand bales of cotton, sent the steamers that 
were there, down the Alabama, to go up the Tombigbee, and 
cut loose a pontoon bridge which floated down to Oven bluff. 

Gen. Wilson directed Lieut. Haywood, Fourth Michigan cav- 
alry, engineer officer on his stafit", to employ all the resources 
of the shops in the city in the construction of pontoons, ynih. the 
intention of laying a bridge and crossing to the south side of 
the Alabama river, as soon as he could satisfy himself of Gen. 
Canby's success in the operations against MobUe. On April 
5, Upton and McCook arrived with the train, but nothing 
definite had been heard of Croxton. McCook had been entirely 
successful in liis operations against Centreville, but on reaching 
Scottsboro, he found Jackson well posted "svith a force, he 
thought too strong to attack. After a sharp skirmish ^ he 

1 Gapt. Surget [A. A, G.), to Maj. Hope, Demopolis : " Ajjril 3. — If news of 
Jackson's victory be true, he ought to cover Demopolis." 



I 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 257 

returned to Centreville, burned the Scottsboro cotton factory 
and Cahawba bridge, and returned toward Selma. Meantime, 
Col. Noble, Third Iowa, with a detachment of Winslow's 
brigade, made a march to the rear through Summerfield to 
Johnson's ferry, returning on the 6th. 

On the 3d, Gen. Wirt Adams, at West Point, was ordered to 
prepare immediately to move east via Pickensville with every 
available man of his own and Scott's Louisiana brigade, lea-sdng 
the battery behind. On the 4th, Lieut.-Gen. Taylor was at 
Mobile. On the same day, Capt. Surget telegraphed from 
Meridian to Gen. Hodge at Jackson, that there were some 
eighty federal prisoners there, recent captures. On the 5th, 
Taylor returned from Mobile, and at one, P. M., telegraphed 
Forrest as follows : 

" Returned from Mobile this morning. Wirt Adams left 
Columbus this morning with fifteen hundred men to join 

you at Marion via Pickensville 'Tis useless to fight 

enemy until we are strong enough to whip him. Hang on his 
flanks and rear, cut off small parties and delay his movements 
till you can get your whole force in hand." 

The same day Capt. Surget informed Forrest — " At Mobile 
everything goes on well. Yankees have gained nothing thus 
far." 

On the 6th of April, Gen. Wilson having ordered Maj. Hub- 
bard to lay a bridge over the Alabama with the utmost despatch, 
went to Cahawba to see Gen. Forrest, who had agreed to meet 
Wilson there, under a flag of truce, to arrange an exchange of 
prisoners. Wilson soon discovered that he need not es^^ect 
liberahty in the matter, and that Forrest hoped to recapture 
the prisoners in his hands. During the conversation, Wilson 
learned from Forrest that Croxton had had an engagement with 
Wu't Adams, near BridgeviUe, forty miles southwest of Tusca- 
loosa, two days before. This, it appears, assured Wilson of 

17 



258 CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 

Croxton's success and safety, and lie determined to lose no 
time in crossing to the south side of the Alabama. Returning 
to Selma he urged every one to the utmost exertions. The 
river was qiiite full and rising, its current swift and strong. 
The weather was also unsettled and rainy, but by great energy 
and labor night and day the bridge, eight hundred and seventy 
feet long, was constructed, and the command all crossed by day- 
light of the 10th. Three tunes the bridge was swept away. 
Gen. Alexander narrowly escaped drowning; boats were cap- 
sized, and men precipitated into the stream, but the crossing 
was finally accomphshed with success. 

Behind him, in the destroyed arsenal, foundries, arms, stores, 
and military munitions of every kind, Wilson had left immense 
ruin. He had struck the Confederacy a disastrous blow. 

At Selma, he left the severely wounded of his command, and 
many paroled prisoners. But the confederates considered the 
parole illegal, and ordered the men to duty. 

Wilson now determined to march, by the way of Montgomery, 
into Georgia, and, after breaking up railroads, and destroy- 
ing stores and army supplies in that state, to march thence, 
as rapidly as possible, to the theatre of operations in North 
Carolina and Virginia. 

He was now able to secure greater mobility to his command. 
Enough horses had been captured to mount all the dismounted 
men. The surplus wagons, and all of the bridge train, except 
enough for twelve bags, were destroyed. The column was 
cleared of the multitude of freedmen who hovered around it, 
except such ablebodied ones as could enhst, who were organ- 
ized into regiments, one to each division. Efficient officers were 
a.ssigned these commands ; and how well they succeeded, is 
shown by the fact, that " ia addition to subsisting themselves 
upon the country, they marched (upon one occasion) forty-five 
miles, and frequently as much as thirty-five, in one day." 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 259 

In the march from Selma, La Grange's brigade, of McCook's 
division, was given the advance. The recent rains had rendered 
the roads quite mnddy, and a small body of confederate cavahy, 
in falling back before La Grange, destroyed several bridges, so 
that the progress of the column was slow. 

On the morning ' of the 12th, the advance-guard . reached 
Montgomery, the capital of Alabama, and received the sur- 
render of the city from the mayor and council. The confed- 
erate general, Adams, with a small force, after falling back from 
before Wilson's column, to the city, burned ninety thousand 
bales of cotton, stored there, and continued his retreat to Mount 
Meigs, on the Columbus road. 

Gen. McCook assigned Col. Cooper, Fourth Kentucky cav- 
alry, to the command of the city, and immediately began the 
destruction of the public stores. Maj. Weston of the Fourth 
Kentucky, with a small detachment of his regiment, made a 
rapid march toward Wetumpka, swam the Coosa and Talla- 
poosa rivers, and captured five steamboats and their cargoes, 
which were taken to Montgomery and destroyed. 

The grand column entered Montgomery in imposing style. 
The capitol stands on a commanding site, and is visible far out 
in the country. As they approached the city the troopers were 
deUghted to see the federal flag restored to its position, and 
proudly floating from the dome of the first capitol of the then 
tottering confederacy. 

Pausing two days at Montgomery, Wilson resumed his march 
on the morning of the 14th, moving into Georgia and accom- 
pHshing brilliant results ; the most important of which was \h.e 
capture, on the 16th of April, of the fortified posts of Columbus 
and West Point. On the 20th, he entered Macon, where he was 
met by news of the armistice. 



CHAPTER XXX. 

OPERATIONS OF CROXTON'S BRIGADE. 

Gen. Jolm T. Croxton's brigade consisted of the Second 
Micliigan cavaby, Col. Johnston, the Fourth Kentucky mounted 
infantry, Col. Kelly, the Sixth Kentucky cavalry, Maj. Fidler, 
and the Eighth Iowa cavalry, Col. Dorr, fifteen hundred effective. 

Leaving the Fourth -Kentucky cavalry temporarily with the 
train, Croxton, on the morning of March 31, marched from 
Elyton for Tuscaloosa, having eleven hundred effective men. 
He took no artillery nor train, save one headquarters bag- 
gage-wagon, three ambulances, and the allowance of pack 
mules. The men had each about one hundred and twenty 
rounds of ammunition, and, like the main column, were armed 
with Spencer carbines. 

At five, p. M., when approaching Trion, some twenty miles 
from Tuscaloosa, and while ascending a rise of ground, in a 
wooded and broken country, the advance detected indications 
of the enemy, which proved to be the rear of Gen. W. H. Jack- 
son's division, estimated at twenty-six hundred, and having 
artillery. Croxton's brigade deployed in line near the toj) of 
the hill, with videttes on the crest, and having remained in 
that position till dark, went into camp off the road. Meantime, 
thorough scouting on the flanks, showed hostile forces on 
Croxton's left and left rear. 

SJdrmish at Trion. — At daylight the next morning, April 1, 
Croxton, in order to elude Jackson, though still having Tusca- 
loosa in view, turned, by an unfrequented road, in a northeast- 
erly direction, to the Dirt creek road, and marched rapidly for 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 261 

ten or fifteen miles. Jackson, however, made a sharp attack 
before the brigade was all out of camp, the Sixth Kentucky 
cavalry losing some thirty men, including a lieutenant, captured. 
A. scouting party, of the Eighth Iowa, was cut off, all of whom, 
except one, killed, made their way to Gen. Wilson. 

Gen. Jackson addressed a despatch to the commanding officer 
at Tuscaloosa, informing him that he had attacked and dis- 
persed Croxton's force ; adding : " It is scattered in the moun- 
tains, and cannot again be collected. Assure the fair ladies of 
Tuscaloosa, that the tread of the Vandal hordes shall not pollute 
the streets of their beautiful city." 

Croxton marched that day about forty miles, striking the 
Black Warrior river at Johnson's ferry. The Foui'th Kentucky 
joined him at noon. The same night he crossed the Black 
Warrior. The stream was high and rapid ; and the men 
resorted to various plans to get across. The forty miles' 
march — and some had been on duty the previous night — had 
made them tired and stiff, but they addressed themselves to the 
duty of crossing the swollen river with cheerful alacrity. A 
small flat-boat was used, but it would have required much time 
for the whole brigade to cross in that. Some attempting, while 
mounted, to swim their horses, were carried under by the 
current. Others, to be odd, stripped to their shirts, and were 
piloted across, holding to their horses' tails ; a scene which 
occasioned no little merriment. A few horses were lost in 
crossing. 

The brigade marched thirty-two miles the next day, and at 
ten, P. M., arrived before Tuscaloosa, but on the opposite side 
of the river. The bridge was refloored, and Col. Johnston, 
of the Second Michigan cavalry, with one*hrmdred and fifty 
officers and men of his regiment, crossed the bridge, surprised 
the guards, and captured the pieces of artillery. The Eighth 
Iowa entered about the same time, and Col. Dorr received 



262 CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 

formal surrender of tlie town at one, A. m. Upward of fifty 
prisoners were captured and paroled. After daylight, Croxton 
caused the iQilitarj^college,^ the public works and stores, to 
be destroyed. He remained there till the 5th, trying to com- 
municate with Wilson or McCook. The confederate scouts were 
hanging around Tuscaloosa, and, knowing that Jackson and 
Chalmers were between him and Sehna, he thought it too 
hazardous to undertake to reach that place by way of Centre- 
ville. He therefore decided to move toward Eutaw, in the 
hope of crossing the Warrior lower down, and cutting the 
railroad between Sehna and Demopolis. On the 5th, he re- 
crossed the Black Warrior, burned the bridge, marched out on 
the Columbus (Mississippi) road, and, on the 6th, turned toward 
Eutaw. The same morning, at seven o'clock, Gen. Wirt Adams, 
with fifteen hundred men, left Pickensville, intending to join 
Forrest at Marion, by the way of Einche's ferry. Croxton, at 
the time, thought his force was larger. 

Comhat of Pleasant Ridge. — About two, p. m., Adams' men 
began to annoy the rear of Croxton's brigade, consisting of 
the Sixth Kentucky cavalry, near Pleasant Kidge. Meantime, 
Croxton had re-crossed the Sipsa river, and turned on the 
military road toward Tuscaloosa. In front of the Sixth Ken- 
tucky were the two ambulances and the wagon, and next in 
front of them was the Second Michigan. At about five, p. m., 
Adams charged the rear with much vigor, the shock falling 
entirely on the Sixth Kentucky cavahy. The commanding 
officer, Maj. Eidler, sent forward to Col. Johnston that he was 
hard pushed, and needed help, but before the message could 
be delivered, he himself and nearly a third of his regiment were 
captured or disabled. One of the ambulances was captured 
at the same time, in which was Croxton's valise. 

The Second Michigan cavahy halted and formed, facing to 
the rear, partly behind a httle ridge with bushes on both sides 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 263 

of the road, a portion of tlie line being dismoimted. In tlieii 
rear was a house, and farther back a hill and woods. In their 
front was a field extending one hundred yards, and beyond that 
a body of timber. Heavy rain was falling, accompanied with 
thunder and lightning ; yet it was a cold rain, and every tlmig 
around was dreary. . The ground was muddy, night was coming 
on, and it was believed a superior force would soon be hurled 
against them. Soon the Sixth Kentucky cavalry came hurrying 
up in some disorder, and the Second Michigan made an opening 
for them to pass through. All the column except the Second 
Michigan marched on. Adams' forces, encoui-aged with their 
success, charged, mounted, against the Second Michigan, fully 
expecting to rout them. But the latter, reserving their firt 
till they were within short range, repulsed them. Then the 
confederates retired out of sight, dismounted, and charged 
again. But again the Second Michigan men held their position 
like statues, and drove them back with heavier loss. Adams' 
men charged repeatedly in a heroic manner, and as often were 
repulsed. Their rallying cries, and the exhortations by their 
officers, could be plainly heard. One was heard to say, " The 

d d Yankee cowards won't fight — they'll run!" This only 

increased the sullen feelings of the Second Michigan men. 
Then- line never wavered. Their own safety, probably the 
safety of the brigade, was secured by their firm courage and 
their unerring aim. Finally, at dark, Adams ceased his attack. 
His loss must have been severe. ^ The Second Michigan cavah-y 



1 " We have reliable information that Gen. Wirt Adams, Math comparatively- 
small force, met the enemy under Croxton, about two thousand five hundred 
strong, at Pleasant Ridge, Alabama, and whipped them badl}-, killing thirteen 
men, and capturing and wounding a large number, as well as taking all tlieir 
artillery, wagons, ambulances, po?i?'oons, and all of Gen. Croxton's papers. Gen. 
Adams lost about three hundred men. Capt. W. B. Luckett, of Wood's regi- 
ment, was killed in the engagement. The enemy outnumbered Adams at least 
two to one." — Jackson (^Miss.) JSfeios, 



264 CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 

suffered but little, having only three men wounded. Col. John- 
ston had his horse killed under him. The regiment then 
marched on, and at twelve o'clock overtook the rest of the 
brigade in camp. 

On the 7th, Croxton went into camp near Northport, a few 
miles from Tuscaloosa. His foraging parties and scouts on the 
road to Columbus misled Wirt Adams' men, who, on that 
evening, reported him moving toward Columbus. Adams then 
turned his column in that direction, and arrived there at one, 
p. M., on the 8th, having marched forty-five miles in eleven 
hours. ^ This put him about seventy miles northwest from 
Croxton. Chalmers was moving toward Columbus the same 
time, and reached there the 9th. 

On the 11th, Croxton was still in camp near Northport on the 
Boiler road, and picketing three miles out toward Columbus.- 
The same day he sent four hundred freedmen toward Decatur. 
On the morning of the 12th, he marched northward ; and pass- 
ing on through Jasper, recrossed the west fork of the Black 
Warrior river at Hadley's mill, marched nearly due east by the 
way of Mount Penson and Trussville, crossed the Coosa at 
True's and Collins' ferries, and continued on to Talladega, a 
region opulent in mineral resources. The numerous streams 
they crossed were much raised by the spring freshet. The men 
with theu' horses had to swim them, incurring, in some instances, 
no little peril. A few men were drowned. The arms, saddles, 

1 Gen. Wirt Adams to Capt. E. Siirget, A. A. O. : " Golumhus, April 8. — 
The Yankee column which was attacked and driven toward Tuscaloosa on the 
6th, was reported by my scouts last night as making forced marches on Colum" 
bus. I marched my command forty-five miles in eleven hours, reaching there 
at one, p. m., to-day. No reliable intelligence of his approach thus far." 

2 Lieut.-Col. Wm. 3fariin to Gapt. Surget : " Tuscaloosa, 5 p. m., April ll.. — 
A prisoner states that they (Croxton's force) would cross at or about this 
place, and move in direction of Selma. One thousand men could take them 
all. I have despatched Gen. Adams." 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 265 

and accoutrements, were generally ferried over in canoes, flats, 
or even sugar-troughs. 

On tlie 22d of April, tlie Eiglitli Iowa, being in advance, 
charged into Talladega, witli drawn sabres, against Gen, B. H. 
Hill's brigade, and put that force to route, losing two men, 
captured, and having one wounded by a sabre-cut. Tlie two 
captured men were taken by a squad of thirteen confederates ; 
but Lieut. Bennett, of the Eighth, with only two men, charged 
and scattered them, and rescued the two prisoners. 

At Talladega, Croxton replenished the haversacks, and, on the 
23d, pushed on, northeasterly, destroying the railroad, and 
skii'mishing with Hill, who had artillery, and was falling back 
on Jackson^dlle. The Second Michigan cavalry was in the 
advance, but cordd not bring Hill's forces to an engagement, 
except with the advance guard. That regiment had one man 
killed, of Company B, near Oxford, and a detail having gone 
back to bury him, found too many confederates gathering to 
render their stay safe. The Eighth Iowa, in the rear had two 
men killed. 

In the region of the Blue mountains, Croxton's command 
destroyed valuable iron and nitre works, besides railroad 
bridges, depots, and rolling stock. 

On the 24th, the Eighth Iowa cavalry was detached and sent 
to Jacksonville, and, on the way, had Uvely skirmishes. Before 
reaching that place, a freedman informed the commander of the 
Eighth, that Hill's forces were in line in Jacksonville, waiting 
for him. Then the Eighth at once broke into a gallop, and 
dashed on with enthusiasm. A lieutenant exclaimed, " I do 
hope they have a battery." And a captain said, " I wish every 
man of Hill's command had a cannon, for we would have t!i m 
aU before night." But the remnant of HiU's forces — al)out one 
hundred — made a rapid retreat from the town. The Eighth Iowa 
rejoined the brigade the same night, having marched forty miles. 



266 CAMPAIGN OP MOBILE. 

On the 25tli, Croxton moyed out on tlie road leading to New- 
nan, Georgia. The next day, while crossing the Chattahoochee 
river, a white flag appeared on the opposite bank. 

Then those soldiers heard, but with unlike emotions, of the 
fall of Richmond, the surrender of Lee, and the assassination of 
Lincoln. 

OBSERVATIONS ON WILSON'S RAID. 

1. If Wilson had moved on Selma with five or six thousand 
men, as first proposed, he would have found himself in the 
presence of Forrest with an inferior force. He undoubtedly 
would have diverted that able commander for a while, from any 
movement toward Mobile, but in doing so must have suffered 
considerably; and, in aU probability, would have furnished 
another of those examples which had ah-eady become too fre- 
quent, of the poor success which attends aggressive operations 
with an inferior force. It was "Wilson's own sagacity, as we 
have seen, that led to his taking a column sufficiently powerful 
for the task before it. Yet Colonel Dorr and other officers in 
his command, who had spent some time as prisoners-of-war in 
the South, had even two years before urged the advantage of 
moving large columns into the very heart of the confederacy; 
forces which would be able to cause just such widespread and 
irreparable injury as was inflicted by Wilson's victorious corps. 
Had such columns been moved into the South a year or two 
earlier, they would have found but shght fortifications surround- 
ing the important towns. 

2. The capture of Selma must be regarded as the most 
remarkable achievement in the history of modern cavahy. The 
valor of the troops engaged in tliat splendid assault, illustrates 
the maxim of Alexander, that " No place is impregnable to the 
brave nor secure to the timorous." 

3. Croxton, when he rejoined Wilson, had marched six hun- 



CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE. 267 

dred and fifty miles in thirty days. His command encountered 
many liardsliips, and nothing but its phick and good soldiership 
brought it out so successfully. It would seem that Croxton's 
better course would have been to have marched northeasterly 
from Tuscaloosa the morning after entering that place, instead of 
again recrossing the 31ack Warrior, The critical moment was, 
when he was attacked by Wirt Adams, near Pleasant Eidge. 
The firmness of Col. Johnston and the Second Michigan there 
was highly exemplary. Adams made a forced march to Colum- 
bus, and got seventy miles from him. But for the stern treat- 
ment he had received from the Second Michigan, he doubtless 
would have followed the column when close upon its heels. 

Croxton's command felt an apprehension lest they would get 
out of ammunition, but their supply lasted to the end. And 
most of the time the men were in good spirits. 



INDEX 



Adams, Gen. D. W., Taylor's Despatch to, 242 

(note) ; At Selma, 255. 
Adams, Gen. Wirt, at West Point, 257 ; attacks 

Cri:)xton at Pleasant Ridge, 262 ; marclies to 

Columbus, 264 (note). 
Adventure on Skirmish-Line, 131,134, 235-238. 
Alabama (see Reserves, Number of Regiments, 

&c.) 
AuBAUGH, Corporal, killed in Assault, 216. 
Alexander, Gen. A. J., Brigade of, 247, 251. 
Ambulances, Allowance in Field, 28. 
Ammunition, Amount to be kept on Hand, 29; 

Quality of at Siianish Fort, 166 ; at Blakelv, 

177. 
A>fEERSON, Col. (Confed.), at Fort Gaines, 16. 
Anderson, Ma,j., Chief of Staff to Forrest, 248. 
Andrews, Col. J. A., commanls Texas Brigade, 44. 
Archer, Maj., commands Escjrt of Supply T^ain, 

243. 
Armistead, Col., Despatches to, 98 (note) ; De- 
spatch from, 100 (note). 
Armstroxg, Capt. S. E., Battery at Spanish Fort, 

139, 144, 150. 
Armstrong, Gen., Brigade of, at Ebenezor Church, 

250 ; at Selma, 255. 
Army, Besieging, Concentration and Equipment 

of, 21. 
Aknim, Capt., Company at Battle of Ebenezer 

Church, 251. 
Arnold, Gen. R., arrives at Fort Morgan with 

Siege Train, 18. 
Artillery (see Names of Batteries), Position of 

Confederate at Spanish Fort, 70 ; Singular Es- 
timate of in Steele's Column, 106 (and note) ; 

Additional sent to Blakely, 189. 
AsFiBY, Sergeant, mentioned, 83. 
Assault, at Spanish Fort, 151 ; when intended, 

165 ; on Blakely, 200-222 ; on Selma, 253. 
Attack on Wagon Train, 35. 
Atwaier, Lieut., mentioned, 216. 



IS 



Badger, Lient.-Col. A. S., 109, 240. 

Bailey, Gen., mentioned, 229 ; Trip to Spanish 

Fort, 233-235. 
Bailey, Maj. H. S., mentioned, 43, 172. 
Baldwin, Lieut. -Col. 169 ; in Assault, 203, 208. 
Ball, Col. C. P.,107. 
Ball, Lieut., 153. 

Barnes, Capt. S., 71, 84, 85, 90 ; Wounded, 142. 
Barrancas, Description of, 23 ; the Camp there, 

23, 24. • 
Beardslky, Lieut. E. C, at Spanish Fort. 133, 138, 

22!>. 



Beauregard, Gen., Opinion of Defences, 163. 

Bell, Lieut .-Col., 53. 

Benson, Lieut., 78. 

Pbxteen, Lieut. -Col., 247. 

Benton, Gen., Division marches to Fish River, 
33-35 ; at Spanish Fort, 56.73, 93, 160. 

Bertram, Col., his Brigade on the March, 34. 

Bl^vnding, Col., mentioned, 37, 77, 158. 

Blaniosnship, Capt., 81, 92, 1.31, 140, 150 ; Explosion 
of Shell in his Camp, 134, 138. 

Boardman, Maj. , 43. 

Bomb-proofs at Spanish Fort, 135. 

Bond, Capt. , 104. 

Bonner, Sergeant, 228. 

BosT'mcK, Capt. , 219. 

Blockade-Running stopped by Fall of Forts Mor- 
gan and Gaines, 19. 

Bough, Capt. , 84, 134, 150. 

BowYER, Col. E., 54. 

BoYDSTON, Maj., 160. 

Boyle, Capt., 95. 

Bradley, Lieut. -Col., Geo., 55. 

Br.annegak (Confed. Gunner), 228. 

Bkiggs, Col., wounded at Selma, 255. 

Briggs, Lieut., 78. 

Britton, Lieut .-Col. W. B., 54. 

Bromillet, Eldricb, in Assault, 205. 

Brown, Capt,, 194. 

Brown, Capt. J. , Charge by his Company, 251. 

Brown, Capt. W. E., has charge of a Sujjply Train, 
244. 

Brown, Lieut. -Col. (Confed.), Despatch to, 39 
(note) . 

Brown, Lieut. -Col. (Ninety-sixth Ohio), 56. 

Bruce, Lieut.-Col. , John., 57, 156. 

Bryan, Lieut. John, 218. 

Buck, Capt. Norman, 64, 134. 

Bullock, Capt. W. M., at Spanish Fort. 53. 

Burnett, Col. W. E., killed at Spanish Fort, 84. 

Busey, Col. S. F., 24, 169 ; in Assault, 204, 205. 

BUS.SY, Capt , 89. 

Buxton, Corporal, 218. 

Beecher, Corporal, ISO. 

Bell, Lieut.-Col., 152. 

Besiegers, Toil of, 135. 

Bi..\CK, Col. Charles, 169, 182 ; in Assault, 209. 

Blakely (Alabama), Federal Oivalry appear be- 
fore, 119 ; Description of. 121, 122 ; Garrisoa 
of, 122, 123 ; Investment of, 12:i-127 ; Prog- 
ress of Siege, 168 ; Casualties in its Garrison. 
176 ; Sortie bv Garrison, 178 : Garrison puts 
New Guns in Position, 183 ; Eighth and Last 
day ot Siege, 189 ; Suspicion of Garrison 
evacuating, 191 ; carried by Assault, 193- 
222 ; Observations on Siege and Assault of, 
223-226. 

Bombardment (see Fort Morgan) of Spanish Fort, 
139: Final. 150, 151. 

DnNMA-.l. M'*.. 1 0. 



270 



INDEX. 



C 

Campaign of Mobile, Plan of, 31. 
Camp at Barrancas, 24. 
Campbell, Capt. R., 144. 
Campbell, Col., 73. 

Canby, Maj.-Gen. E. R. S., assumes Command 
Military Division West Mississippi, 13 ; sends 
Troops East, 14 ; His Movable Forces, 21 ; 
Thorough Orders for Equipment and Mobility 
of Army, 26 ; Intentions as to Assault, 59 ; 
sends Supplies to Steele, 120 ; Purpose to As- 
sault, 149 ; Orders respecting, 156 ; communi- 
cates Fact of Lodgment, 159 ; sends Additional 
Artillery to Blakely, 189 ; at Hawkins' Head- 
quarters, 192 ; Reply to General Steele, 221 ; 
Purpose as to Besieging Mobile from Land 
Side, 223 ; Estimate of his Forces in Field, 
232. 

Canoe (Station), 99, 115. 

Capon, Lieut. J., Enterprise of, 145. 

Caer, Gen. E. A., Drills in his Division, 39 ; Move- 
ment of Division on Spanish Fort, 50 ; Loss 
in his Division First Day, 54 ; its Approaches, 
77, 79, 94, 149 ; assaults Spanish Fort, 151, 
155. 

Casualties at Spanish Fort, 161. , 

Cavalry (see Lucas, SparJing, Wilson). 

Chalmers, Gen., moves toward Columbus, 264. 

Chapman, Maj., 186, 219. 

Chaklton, Lieut. William, at Ulakely, 216. 

Chicago Board of Trade Battery, 255. 

Chickasaw (Gunboat) , 67. 

ChristexN'Sen, Col., mentioned, 221. 

Christler, Col., 107. 

Chubb, Capt., 176. 

Clanto.v, Gen., his Brigade, 107 ; captured at 
Pringle's Creek, 109. 

Clark, Col. G. W., 24, 169 ; in Assault, 209. 

Clark, Corporal, mentioned, 182. 

Clark, Lieut., 153. 

Clark, Lieut. A. G., killed in Charge, 156,157. 

Clary, Lieut., 134. 

Clothing, Allowance in Field, 29. 

Coats, Col., at Blakely, 211. 

Cobb's Colored Regiment of Engineers, 14. 

Cockrell, Brig.-Gen., his Command, 44 ; at Alexis 
Spring, 45 ; at Blakely, 123. 

CoDDELL, Lieut. R., killed at Blakelj', 216. 

Coleman, Capt. , 213. 

Coleman, Col., 86. 

Colored Division (see Hawkins). 

CoMSTOCK, Gen., visits Blakely, 128; Services 
at Spanish Fort, 166. 

Confederate Officer, Diary of, 68 (note), 77, 80, 135 
(note), 142. 

Confederates, strengthen Defences on Eastern 
Shore Mobile Bay, 19 ; Plans and Position of, 
44 ; Loss in Front of Second Division, 210 ; in 
Garrard's Front, 215 ; Humorous Remarks of 
Soldiers, 238 ; Deserters from Army, 241 
(note). 

Connelly, Maj. J. M. , 50. 

CooNEY, Private G. R., mentioned, 182. 

Coopkr, Col., commands Montgomery, 259. 

Corduroying Roads, 34, 116. 

Corps (see "Thirteenth," "Sixteenth," "Re- 
serve"). 

Cowan, Corporal, 219. 

Cowan, Maj. J. E., 110. 

Cox, Capt., Battery of, 81, 150 ; at Blakely, 
190. 

Craig, Capt. S. F. , 131. 

Crandall, Col., wounded at Blakely, 125, 196. 

Craven, Commodore, at Fort Morgan, 15. 

Craven, Lieut. -Col., 218. 

Crosby, Liei t.-Com. P. ,132. 

Crossland, Brigade of, 247, 250. 



Croxton, Gen. J. T., Operations of his Brigade, 
260 ; captures Tuscaloosa, 261 ; Combat of 
Pleasant Ridge, 262 ; Skirmish with Gen. 
Hill's Forces, 265 ; Observations on his Opera- 
tions, 266. 

CxTRTis, Maj. E. P., 73. 



D 

Dailer, Sergeant, 218. 

Danley's Ferry, 39. 

Da^tdson, Gen., Expedition of, 20. 

Day, Col., Brigade of, 56, 93. 

Day, Maj. J. W., 150. 

De Mar, Private, mentioned, 210. 

Dennis, Gen., Brigade, 55; at Blakely, 181; in 
Assault, 211-213. 

Densmore, Lieut. -Col., participates in Assault, 
195,198. 

Deserters from Confederate Army, 241 (note). 

Despatches, Capture of Confederate, 248. 

Diary (see Confederate Officer) of a Soldier, as to 
Rations, 117, 118 (note). 

Dornblaser, Col., at Blakely, 174, 211. 

Dorr, Col., 260 ; receives Surrender of Tusca- 
loosa, 261,262. 

Douglas, Stephen A., how received in Mobile, 9. 

Drew, Col., his Brigade before Blakely, 123 ; As- 
sault by, 195-201. 

Drill, Brigade, at Barrancas, 25. 

Drish, Lieut. -Col., 219. 

DuTTON, Capt., mentioned, 56. 

Dyer, N. M. , 94. 



E 



Ead's Turrets, 67. 

Ebenezer Church, Battle of, 250, 251. 

Eberhart, Lieut. .-Col. , 21 7. 

ECTOR. Gen., Texas Brigade, 44, 151. 

Eighteenth New York Battery, 83. 

Eighth Iowa, 53 ; Casualties on Second Day of 

Siege, 63 ; Assaults Spanish Fort, 152-155. 
Eighth Illinois at Blakely, 174; in Assault, 211- 

213. 
Eighth iowa Cavah-y, 260, 265. 
Eighth Vt'"isconsin Infantry, Skirmish at Fish 

River, 40 ; at Spanish Fort, 54. 
Eighty-first Illinois, Skirmish at Minette Bridge, 

51 ; at Spanish Fort, 132, 155. 
Eighty-ninth Indiana at Blakely, 175, 218, 219 
Eighty-sixth (Colored) Regiment, 194. 
Eighty-third Ohio at Barrancas, 24 ; at Blakely, 

169 ; in Assault, 202, 203, 207, 208, 209. 
Eisenhart, Lieut., 218. 
Eleventh Illinois at Blakely, 174, 211, 213. 
Eleventh Missouri at Spanish Fort, 54. 
Eleventh Wisconsin at Blakely, 170, 174 ; in As- 
sault, 214-216. 
Enfilading Fire, Advantage of, in Siege, 166. 
Equipment, of Infantry, what, 29. 
Escambia, Fight on the, 109, 110. 
Essex, Corporal, mentioned, 182. 
Evergreeo entered by Cavalry, 118. 
Exploit, Gallant, of Men of Ninety -fourth Illinois, 

83. 



Farragut arrives off Mobile, 12 ; Gallant Conduct 

in Mobile Bay, 15, 16. 
Faulkner, Maj. , 109. 
FiCKLiN, Sergeant J. W., mentioned, 172. 
FiDLER, Maj., 260. 



INDEX. 



271 



Fifteenth Massachusetts Battery at Blakcly, 173, 

182, isy. 

Fifth l.iwa Cavalry, 247. 

Fifth Minnesota, 54. 

Fiftieth Indiana moves from Arkansas, 25 ; at 
Spanish Tort, 65. 

Fifty -eighth Illinois at Blakely. 172, 214, 216. 

Fiftv-flrst (Colored) in Assault, 200. 

Fifty socoud Indiana at Blakely, 172, 214, 2X6. 

First Florida (Cavalry), 113. 

First Indiana (Light) Battery, 53, 82. 

First Indiana (Heavy Artillery), 81, 150 ; at 
Blakeiy, 187. 

First Louisiana (Cavalry), 107 ; its Charge at 
Priugle's Creek, 109 ; in Comhat of Mount 
Pleasant, 240. 

Fish, Corporal, mentioned, 58. 

Fish Eiver, Passage of S^ixteenth Corps up, 37 ; 
Condition at Danley's, 39. 

FrrcH, Capt. A. H. , 79. 

Florida S.vvamps, Diiflcult March through, 101. 

Foi.Som, Lieut., wounded, 55. 

Forrest, Lieut.-Gen., Situation of his Command, 
242, 246 ; at Battle of Ebenezer Church, 250, 
251 ; in Romantic Combats, 255. 

Fort (see Gaines, Morgan, Spanish, &c.) 

Fortieth Missouri, 52. 

Forty-eighth Ohio, 24. 

Forty-eighth (Colored), 196. 

Forty-fourth Jlissouri, 51. 

Forty-uinth Mississippi, Colors captured, 118. 

Forty-ninth Missouri, 5'2. 

Forty-seventh Illinois, 54. 

Fortv-sevcnth Indiana, its Flank charged on, 49. 

Forty -sixth Illinois, at Blakely, 174, 211. 

Fourteenth Indiana, Light Battery, 53, 62. 

Fourteenth Wisconsin, 52. 

Fourth Iowa Cavalry, 247. 

Fourth Kentucky Cavalry, 259. 

Fourth Kentucky Mounted Infantry, 260, 261. 

Fourth .Massachusetts Battery, 78; at Blakely, 189. 

Fourth Michigan Cavalry, 254. 

Fourth Ohio Cavalrv, 254. 

Fourth U. S. Artillery, in Wilson's Raid, 247. 

Fourth U. S. Cavalry, at Selma, 255. 

Fourth Wisconsin Cavalry, Lieut. Knowles' De- 
tachment, 34. 

FOTJST's Battery, on the March, 84 ; at Spanish 
Fort, 138 ; Operations against Huger and Tra- 
cy, 227, 229. 

Frank, Maj. George R., killed at Spanish Fort, 54. 

Freedmen^ three Regiments of, organized by Wil- 
son, 258. 

French, Capt. A. P., 93, 166. 

Fky, Corporal, mentioned, 55. 



Gaines (Fort), Description of, 11 ; Siege of, 14, 16, 
17. ■ 

Gamble, Lieut. Com. , 70. 

Garrard, Gen. K., Division at Sibley's Mill, 50 ; 
before Blakely, 170, 179 ; new rifle-pits in his 
Front, 185 ; Artillery in his Front, 190 ; in- 
structed to Assault, ioi ; in Assault, 213-220. 

Garretso.v, Capt., 115. 

Garrison of Spanish Fort, 60 ; visited by Gen. 
Maury, 80 ; Ammunition of, 90 ; Strength of, 
146 ; withdraws, 156, 161 ; of Blakely, Loss in, 
176 ; Conduct of, 223 ; of Selma, 253. 

GARRrry, Capt. J., Battery at Spanish Fort, 139 ; 
Last Requisition for Ammunition, 158. 

Garwood, J. R., mentioned, 212. 

Gary, Capt., in Assault, 209, 210. 

Gates, Col. (Confod.) , Command of, 44. 

Geddes, C\iI., Brigade, 51 ; Prepares for Assault, 
157, 159. 



Gere, Lieut.-Col. W. B., 54. 

Gigkr, Capt G. mortally wounded at BLakely, 196. 

GiiuERT, Geu., Brigade at Blakely, 170, 179, 216- 
218. 

(.'iXN, Capt., Battery of, 190. 

Gliason, Lieut., mortally wounded in saving Pris- 
oners, 201. 

GoLDWoon, Corporal, in Assault, 204. 

GovB, Corporal, mentioned, 182. 

Gibson, Brig. -Gen. R. L. (Confed.) Command of, 
44 ; Advance from Spanish Fort, 45 ; Despatch, 
50 (note) ; Despatch from Spanish Fort, 59, 61 ; 
General Order of (note) , 87 ; Despatches, 136 ; 
Apprehension of being llanked, 142 ; Opinion 
a.s to Evacuation, 148 ; orilers Line restored, 
156 ; as a Commander, Hj5. 

Gilchrist, Col. , 168. 

GiLLis, Lieut. -Cum., 67. 

GiNN, Capt. T. J. , 55. 

Glasgow, Col. , 156. 

Gondalfo, Lieut.-Col. J. B., 179, 214. 

Granger, Maj. -Gen. Gordon (see Thirteenth Corps) , 
in Siege of Forts Gaines and Jlorgan, 14-20 ; 
assigned to Command Thirteenth Corps, 25 ; 
on Skirmish Line, 43 ; at Spanish Fort, 143, 
144 ; occupies Mobile, 223. 

Grant, Gen. , Instructions to Banks, 13; to Wil- 
son, 244. 

Grant, Lieut.-Col., 217. 

Gravelly Springs, Oivalry Camp at, 243. 

Gray, Lieut., 172, 173. 

Gray, Mr., 96. 

Grayson, Capt,, ElTectivo Fire of his Battery, 91. 

Green, Col. D. P., Brigade of, 56-93. 

Greenleaf, Lieut., 110. 

Greenwood, Capt., 194. 

Geesiiam, Lieut., 172. 

Grier, Col. D. P., Brigade of 56, 93. 

Grierson, Gen., Expedition from Memphis, 20. 

Gunboats, Combat with, 187. 

GUNN, Capt. J., 64. 



K 

BUgt, Surgeon, 147. 

Hall, Col , Movement of, 115. 

Hall's, Railroad Destroyed at, 120. 

HA5IPT0N, Corporal, killed at Blakely, 216. 

Hanley, Lieut., 180. 

Harrington, Lieut. , 213. 

Harris, Col., Brigade at Blakely, 170, 179 ; in As- 
sault, 213-216. 

Harter. Sergeant S. G., killed at Blakcly, 174. 

Hatch, Gen., Division of Cavalry left behind, 243. 

Hawkins' (Geu.) Division (Colored) Arrives at 
Barrancas, 25; March from Pensacola, 101- 
103 ; before Blakely, 123-125, 168, 169, 171, 
181, 187 ; Trenches, 191 ; Assault on Blakely, 
193-202. 

Hays, Col. B. F., His Opinion of the Ammunition, 
166. 

H.\YwooD, Lieut. , bridges Alabama River, 256. 

Heath, Col. W. H., mentioned, 55. 

He.vderson, Sergeant, 212. 

Hent)rick's (Capt.) Battery, 92, 134 ; at Blakely, 
190. 

Hernden, Col. T. H.,89. 

Hill, Gen. B. H., Brigade of, 265. 

Hills, Lieut.-Col., mentioned, 43 ; in Assault, 216- 
218. 

HOLBROOK, Col., 85. 

HoLCOWB, Capt,, in Assault on Blakely, 198, 199. 

HoLLiDAY, Corporal, mentiouod, 58. 

HOLTZCLAW, Brig. -Gen. J. T. (Confed.), Command 

of, 44, 80; Regiments in his Brigade, 8ir; 

Stakes out New Line, 143 ; Character as an 

Omcer, 165. 



272 



INDEX. 



HoLTZCLAW Lieut. (Aide-de-Camp) . 156. 

Hood. Gen. , Veterans from his Army. 44. 

HoPKKS. Corporal. 205. 

Hospital, Provision for, 28 : at Spanish Fort, 147. 

HoTCHKiss' (Capt.) Battery at Blafcely, 172, 173. 

Howard. Capt., 182 ; wounded, 207. 

Howe, Col J. H. . 51. 155. 

Hcbkakd, Capt.. on Skirmish-Line, 175, 219. 

HtTBBAKD. Col. , Brigade at Spanish Fort, 54, 77, 93, 

144. 
HiTBBARD, JIaj. .1. M., commands Pontoon Train, 

244. 
HtrBB-iRD. Private E. P., 219. 
Hrosox. John. kiUed at Blakely, 127. 
Huger (Fort), 70. 71^ 137: Howitzer dismounted 

in, 145 : Reduction of, 227-:.32. 
Hughes, Capt. , 205. 
Hughes. Corporal, 210. 
HtrsiESTOX. Surgeon, 147. 
Hu>iET, Col. P. F.,89. 
HcssET. Color-Sergeant, in Assanlt, 204. 
HtJTCHissox, Maj.," his Advance of Skirmish-Line. 

179 ; in Assault, 217, 218. 



Illinois (see Numher of Kegiment). 

Incident on Skirmish-Line "l34 ; of the Siege, 235- 
238. 

Indiana (see Xumher ofEegiment). 

IsGAiims, Corporal, killed at Blakely, 216. 

ISGERSox, Capt., 205. 

Inspections, iiequent before Campaign, 26 ; Sim- 
day, 130. 

Iowa (see Number of Beeiment). 

Irwix, Capt. W..94. 

IviS, JIaj., 240. ■ 



J.iCKSO::, Capt. K. E. . 214. 

Jacksos. Gen. W. H. , one of his Despatches cap- 
tured, 24S : Despatch in regard to Tuscaloosa, 

261. 
Jacobt, Capt. L., Light Batterv at Spanish Fort. 

53. 
JAME3, Maj. , 15S. 
jESKiis, Capt., 194. 
JoHXSOx, Capt. E. D., 113. 
JoEDCsoy, Capt. (Third Iowa Cavalry) in a Charge, 

247. 
JoHs-STO>\ Col. (of Second Michigan Cavalrv), 260 ; 

m Combat of Pleasant Kidge, 262-264, 287. 
JoHN'STox, Gen. J. E. , his Remarks on Defences 

of Mobile, 10. 
JoxES, Col. Bush, Despatch to, near Hollywood, 40 

(note). 
JoxB5,CoL J.B., at Blakely, 124,125 ; participates 

iu the Assi^ult , 195, 19S. 
Jo^"ES, Lieut. -Col., in Assault, 205. 
JoxES, Lieut. -Com., 67. 



K 

Kansas (see Xumber of Regiment). 

Keelek, Lisut-CoL W. B., 55. 

Kelly, Col. J. H., 24, 126, 169 ; in Assault, 209. 

Kelly. Col. (of Fourth Kentucky Moimted Infan- 

trv), 260. 
Kexag'a, Lieut. W. F., 204. 
Kenuer, Encampment at. 21, 22. 
Kentucky (see Xumber of Regiment). 
Ketibrlng, Capt. F. P., 155. 
Kickapoo (Gunboat). 67. 
Kimball, Major, 39. 



Klv>-ey. Col T. J.,21S. 

KiNSEY, Lieut. -Col.. Brigade of, 55; at Blakely, 
174.211. 

KiRKLA-ND, Lieut. Com. , 67. 

K>'EE,Maj. S. G. 55. 

KsiPE. Gen. , Cavalrv Division of, sent roimd to Can- 
by, 243. 

Knowles. Lieut., mentioned, 34. 

Krez, Col. C, Brigade of, 56, 64, 93, 137. 



Lacy, Capt., mentioned, 192, 221. 

Lake. Col., in Assault on Blakely, 216. 

Laxg. atp't., 179. 

Lawrence. Col., 214. 

Leadbetiek. Gen., Works built by, 10. 

Leake, Lieut.-Col. 126. 169 ; in Assault, 209. 

Leary, Col., 109. 

Lee. Gen. R. E., Taylor's Despatch to, 242 (note). 

Leoxard, Lieut., at Blakely. 172. 

Lidell. Gen. St. John, Activity ot his Scouts. 39; 
Despatches 40 (note) ; Commands on Eastern- 
Shore. 44: Flans of. 46, 47 (and note); De- 
spatches from, 80, S3, 86, 90 : at Blakely, 123, 
127 (note) ; 171, 176, ISO. ISS ; prepares to 
receive Assault . 193. 

Lieurxer, Capt. . Works built by, 10. 

LiXDSAY, CoL K.. Attack on Federal Pickets, 49 ; 
helps cover Retreat of Garrison, 158. 

LocKETT, Col. , conducts half of Spanish Fort Gar- 
rison to Blakely, 162, 

LoxG, Glen., Cavalry Division of, 243 ; at Ebenezer 
Church, 250, 251 ; at Selma, 253, 255. 

Louisiana (see Number ofEegiment). 

Low, Lieut. Com. , 67. 

Lowe, Sergeant E. D. , in Assault, 207. 

Lowell, Capt., 190. 

Lucas, Gen., Cavalr.v Brigade reaches Barrancas, 
26 ; March froni Pensacola, 102, 103 ; Crosses 
Pine Barren. 105 : Skirmish at ilit^^helPs 
Creek, 107: Combat at Pringle's Creek. lOS. 
109 :before Blakely. 119 : Moves to Claiborne, 
176 ; Combat of Mount Pleasant, 239. 

LuMSDEx, his Battery, 72. 

Lyox, Mr. Wm., otters Colored Men for Soldiers, 
241 (note). 



m 

Mack, Capt. , Batterv of, S3 (see Eighteenth New 
York), 93, 130, 133, 150 ; Arrives at Blakelv, 
190. 

Mackay, Col., mentioned, 35. 

Major, Corporal, mentioned, 58. 

Main-, Lieut.-Col., 214. 

JIalloy, Lieut. T. . killed at Blakely, 216. 

Maxhakdt, Lieut.; killed at Blakely, 196. 

March, Difficult, of Thirteenth Corps, 33-35. 

JLiRKS, Mnj. W. . 71. 

Marsh. Col. J. H., 54. 

Marshall. Col. W. R., wounded, 41 ; Brigade at 
Spanish Fort, 54, 77, 93, 136, 160. 

Maetix, Lieut.-Col., Despatch of, 234 (note). 

Martix, Lieut., 205. 

Maryland (see Number of Regiment). 

Massachusetts (see Number of Regiment). 

iL\ssEXBERY, his Batterv, 72. 

JUtthews, Col. A. C. 43 ; at Blakely, 186. 

Maury. Maj.-Gen. D. H., His Report referred to, 
20 (note'i ; Confederate Commander, District 
of the Giilf. 44 : his Visit to the Garrison, SO ; 
(for Despatches to, see Lidell, Gibson ;) 
moves from Mobile, 223 ; Observations of, on 
Siege of Blakely, 224. 

M.\YXOR, Confederate Color-Bearer, 109. 



INDEX. 



273 



McAmsTER, Col., Engineer Operations of, 166. 
McArthur, Geu., Pickets felt of in his Front, 40 ; 

Advance of Division on Spanish Fort, 52, 54, 

94, 110. 
McCoMAS, Capt. , 96, 97. 
McCoNNEL, Lieut, (of Eleventh Wisconsin), 179, 

•:i4. 
McCoN.vEL, Lieut. , 130. 
McGooK, Gen., Cavahy Division of, 243, 258, 
McCoRMiCK, Col. , wounded at Selma, 255. 
McDermett (Fort), in Line of Works at Spanish 

Fort, 4S, 49,71. 
McDonald, Lieut. A., 174 ; Stratagem of, 178 ; 

Gallant Conduct of, 215. 
McExTEE, Maj., 120. 
McFarland, Capt. , 66. 
McGiNNiii, Gen., at Siege of Fort Gaines, 14. 
McLaej, Lie ;t , 213. 

McMiLLEN, Col. , Brigade at Spanish Fort, 54, 94. 
McNuLTA, Col. John, €6, 79, 160. 
Merchant, Ca| t. Geo. E. , in Assault, 206. 
Meredian, H; adquarters Confederate Department 

Conimanier, 44. 
Merriam, Lieut. -Col., 194. 
Metacomet, Crew of, removes Torpedoes, 132. 
Michigan (see Number of Regiment). 
Miller. Maj. C. A., 113. 
Miller, Jlaj. J. S., 214. 
illLLER, Capt. , 112. 
Miller, Col., wounded at Selma, 255. 
Milwaukie (Gunboat), Sinking cf, 67. 
Minettc (Bay) Battery on, 81,119. 
Minnesota (see Number of Regiment). 
MiJiTY, Col., at Selma, 254. 
Missouri (see Number of Regimenti. 
Mitchell, Lieut. J. H. , 63. 
Mobile, Remai-ks concerning, 9 ; its Fortifications, 

10, 11 ; Earlier Operations against, 13 ; Easy 

Capture, when coul 1 have been made, 20 ; 

Confederate Garrison of, 44 ; Feeliug in during 

Siege, 88 ; occupied, 223. 
Montevallo, Skirmish at, 246. 
Montgomery, to what Extent an Objective Point, 

31 ; entsred by Wilson's Column, 259. 
Moore, Col. F. W., 24; his Brigade, 101, 170; 

Parallels widened, 182 ; in the Assault, 202, 

209. 
Moore, Col. J. B., Demonstration of Brigade on 

Western Shore, 36 ; Advance on Spanish Fort, 

51, 77, 94 ; Movements of, 158, 159. 
Moore, Cul. (117th 111.), 216, 
Moore, Maj. Frank, 113. 
MooRE, Sergeant D. B., mentioned, 179 ; in Assault 

at Blakely, 215. 
Morgan, Capt., 39 (note). 
Morgan (Fort), Description of, 11; Siege of, 14- 

20. 
Morse, Capt. F. W., his Battery at Spanish Fort, 

53, 82, 138. 
Mortar-Shells, thrown at Night, 141. 
Morton, Capt., 82. 
Mount Pleasant, Combat of, 239. 
MnoGET, Maj., 194. 
MuHS, Capt. H., 152. 
Murphy, Capt. J., in Assault, 214 
Murray, Orderly, mentioned, 212. 
Myers, Capt. L. K., Adventure on Skirmish-Line, 

73-77. 



N 

Naval Battery in Sixteenth Corps Front, 146. 

Navy, Op-rations, 66, 69, 94, 132, 139,145,148, 
227-232. 

Negroes, as Soldiers, 143 (see Cfflored Troops) ; 
Lieut.-Gen. Taylor's Disposition to employ, 
241 (note) ; Wilson organizes, 258. 



Newton, Capt., builds Bridge over Pine Barren, 

104 ; constructs Battery at Blakely, 181. 
Newton, Lieut., A. C, 85. 
New York (see Number of Regiment). 
NiELDS, H. C, Bravery ot^ 15. 
Nineteenth Iowa, at Spanish Fort, 57, 156. 
Ninety-eighth Illinois Mounted Infantry at Selma, 

254. 
Ninetv-fifth Illinois, 52 ; Loss first day at Spanish 

Fort, 64, 158. 
Ninety-fourth Illinois in Siege of Fort Morgan, 17 ; 

Gallant Exploit of Men of, at Spanish Fort, 

83 ; loss in. 93. 
Ninetv-ninth Illinois in Skirmish, 43 ; at Blakely, 

186. 
Ninety-seventh Illinois, 24 ; in Assault, 202, 203, 

204, 206. 
Ninety-sixth Ohio in Siege of Forts Morgan and 

Gaines, 14 ; at Spanish Fort, 56. 
Ninth Miunesota at Spanish Fort, 54. 
Noble, Capt. J. L., Attack on his working Party, 

65. 
Noble, Cbl. J. W., at Montevallo, 247, 24S ; Scouts 

from Selma, 257. 
North Carolina Troops, 154. 
Norton, .loel, mentioned, 57. 
Norwood, Capt., in Assault on Blakely, 198. 
Nye, Maj., 195. 



O 

Observations, on the Siege of Spanish Fort, 163- 
167 ; on Siege of Blakely, 223-226 ; on Wil- 
son's Raid, 266, 267. 

O'CoxNEL, Lieut., 255. 

Octorara (Gunboat) , 67 ; some Account of, 65 
opens Fire, 79, 132, 139, 145, 159 ; splendid 
Firiug by, 2-28. 

Ohio (see Number of Regiment). 

Old Spanish Fort, 71; Night of Assault, 159. 

One Hundred and Eighth Illinois, 51. 53. 63, 155. 

One Hundred and Fourteenth Illinois, 231. 

One Hundred and Fourteenth Ohio, moves to Bar- 
rancas, 22 ; before Blakely, 126 ; in Assault, 
209, 210. 

One Hundred and Nineteenth Illinois, 175,185 ; 
in Assault, 218, 219. 

One Hundred and Seventeenth Illinois, 2l6, 218. 

One Hundred andSeventv-eighth New York, 179, 
214. 

One Hundred and Sixty-first New York, Attack 
upon, 49. 

One Hundred and Twenty-fourth Illinois, 51, 53, 
63, 155. 

One Hundred aad Twenty -second Illinois, 186, 218, 
219. 

One Hundred and Twenty-third Illinois, Mounted 
Infantry, at Selma, 254. 

Orders, tu fit Troops for Campaign, 27 (note). 

Orem, Lieut., wounded, 207. 

Organization, of Besieging Army, 21 ; of Cavalry 
Corps, 243. 

Osage (Gunboat), Sinking of, 70. 

OsTERHAUS, Maj.-Gen. P. J., at Blakely, 127, 185, 
194. 

Owen, his Battery, 71. 



Page, Gen. (Confed.), at Fort Morgan, 19. 

Palfrey, Col. , 82. 

Palfrey, Capt. H. G. , 83. 

Palmer, Ojmmodore J. S., 229, 

Park, Capt., 214. 

Parker, Lieut., 92, 227. 

Patsmier, Capt., 71. 



18 



274 



INDEX. 



Patton, Col. J. , commands Artillery, 60, 70. 
Ponsacola, Rspairs on Wharf at, 96 ; Condition 

of, 97 ; Steele moves from, 100. 
Perdiclo, River, forded, IIT. 
Perkis'S, Sergt., 205. 
Pebrin, Corporal, 138. 
Perry, Lieat.-Col. (»., 24, 105, 169, 204. 
Peter.'^, Lieut. -Col. , 248. 
Pettiboxe, Lieut. H. D. , mentioned, 178, 192. 
Phelps, Sergt. W. H., liilled in Assault, 216. 
Phtllips, his Battery, 72 ; relieved by Garri- 

ty's, 139. 
Pickering, Capt., 105. 
PiEN, Maj. G., 234. 
Pile, Gen. W. A., at Blakely, 172, 191 ; Assault by 

his Brigade, 194, 195, 200. 
Pine Barren (Creek), Picket at, 99 ; bridged, 104, 

105. 
Pioneers, Company to each Division, 29. 
Plan of Operations, 31. 
Pleasant Ridge, Combat of, 262. 
Pollard (Ala.), Post at, 99 ; Entry of, HI. 
Pontoon (Trail)), at Barrancas, 95 ; of "Wilson's 

Column, 244. 
Pringle's Creek, Combat on, 108, 109. 
Prisoners, Safety of Garrison, 201 ; Arrangements 

for Exchange of Wilson's and Forrest's, 257. 



Quarters, Allowance of on Campaign, 28. 



Rapek, Lieut., 81, 131. 

Rations, Limitation of, in the Field, 29 ; of Garrison 
of Spanish Fort, 89 ; reduced, 115, 117 ; to 
Colored Troops, 123 ; of Wilson's Cavalry, 243, 
244. 

Bed Fort, shelled, 131. 

Reed, Capt. J. R., 55. 

Register (Mobile), Remarks on Fall of Selma, 143 
(note). 

Rendelbrook, Lieut., 253. 

Reserve Corps, of the West Mississippi, 21 ; Organ- 
ized into Thirteenth Corps, 25. 

Retreat of Garrison from Spanish Fort, 161. 

Rice, Capt., at Blakely, 190. 

RiDSOUR, Lieut., 83. 

KlLEY, Thos. ,110. 

RixAKER, Col., Brigade at Blakely, 170; changes 
Position, 174 ; in Assault, 213, 218, 219, 220. 

Boad, through the Swamps, 34, 101, 115, 116. 

BoBiN-sox, Capt., 255. 

Rockwell, Capt. , 100. 

RoDN'ET, his Battery mentioned, 247. 

Rodolph, (Tinclad), sinking of, 94. 

RoDT, Gen., Division of, 247, 250, at Selma, 255. 

EoGEais, Col. A. AV., Skirmish at Minette Bayou, 
51 ; at Spanish Fort, 132, 155. 

RoGERSjLieut. , in Assault on Blakely, 198, 199. 

RowE, William, Daring of, 134. 

RowsE, Lieut.. 182. 

Ryan, Capt. , 54. 



S 

Sanderson, ?. Lieut. , 213. 

ScHAFFER, Lieut. A. , killed at Pringle's Creek, 110 

ScHTLTZ, Corporal, mentioned. 217. 

SconELD, Col., Brigade of, 168 ; Assault bv, 195- 

201. 
Second Division (Thirteenth Corps) ordered to 

move from Barrancas, 95 ; March from Pen- 
• SMola, 101-103 ; Arrival at the Escambia, 110 ; 



at Canoe Station, 116; before Blakely, 125- 
127, 168, 171 ; Batteries in Front of, 180 ; 
ordered to be in Readiness to march, 186 ; its 
Trenches, 190 ; prepares for an Advance, 192 ; 
Assault on Blakely, 202-210. 

Sears, Lieut. -Col., 169. 

Second Connecticut (Battery) at Blakely, 172, 180, 
189, 210. 

Second Illinois (Battery), 190. 

Second Illinois (Cavalry), 113, 118. 

Second Iowa (Battery) , 55, 82. 

Second Maine (Cavalry). 113, 118. 

Second Massachusetts (Battery), 185. 

Second Michigan (Cavalry), 260, 261 ; Brave Con- 
duct in Combat of Pleasant Ridge, 262, 263. 

Second New York (Vet. Cavalry), 107. 

Second Tennessee (Cavalry) , 43. 

Selma, Notice of its Fortiflcations, 252 ; captured, 
255 ; Destruction of Property in, 256, 258. 

Seventeenth Indiana Mounted Infantry, 250, 251. 

Seventeenth Ohio (Battery) 180, 185, 187. 

Seventh Massachusetts (Battery) at Spanish Fort, 
57, 78, 92. 

Seventh Vermont, 56 ; Capture of Detachment of, 
84-87. 

Seventy -second Dlinois, 51; Loss first day at Span- 
ish Fort, 54 ; Charges Garrison Skirmishers, 
158, 159. 

Seventy-second Ohio, 54. 

Seventy-seventh Illinois in Siege of Forts Morgaa 
and Gaines, 14. 

Seventy -seventh Ohio leaves Arkansas, 25. 

Seventy-sixth Illinois, 24 ; in Assault, 204, 205. 

Seventy -sixth (Colored) Regiment, 195. 

Seventy-third (Colored) Regiment, 194 ; plants its 
Colors on Works, 201. 

Sharpshooters, 77, 146 ; magnanimity of Confed- 
erate, 134 ; Offer to surrender, 159. 

Shea, Corporal, mentioned, 216. 

Sheetz, Col., at Blakely, 211. 

Sheijha, Lieut. -Col. V., Worlis built by, 11. 

Shepherd, Capt. , 160. 

Sibert, Lieut., 134. 

SmLET, C. , Mill of, 43. 

Sibley, Lieut., attacks Wagon- train, 35. 

Sibley, 0. , Mill of, 45 ; Outpost withdrawn from, 
119. 

Siege-train organized at Fort Gaines, 26. 

Siege of Spanish Fort, Progress of, 147 ; com- 
pleted, 160 (see Blakely). 

Simon, Sergeant E. , mentioned, 201. 

Sixteenth Corps moves down the Mississippi, 25, 
26 ; at Fish River, 37 ; investment of Spanisn. 
Fort, 50-55, 62 ; Use of Wooden Mortars, 138 ; 
moves to Montgomery, 232. 

Sixth Kentucky (CavalrV) , 260 ; in Combat of 
Pleasant Ridge, 262, 263. 

Sixth Minnesota, 43, 172, 217, 218. 

Sixty-eighth (Colored) Regiment, its Part in As- 
sault, 195-200. 

Sixty-ninth Indiana at Barrancas, 24 ; in Assault, 
204, 207. 

Skirmishers (see Sharpshooters) ; Advance of, at 
Blakely, 171 ; Communication between 184. 

Slack, Gen., Brigade of , 55 ; at Spanish Fort, 66, 
161 ; at Blakely, 211. 

Slocum, Capt. C. H. , 72, 145. 

Smith, Capt. J. J.'s, Pontoniers, 34. 

Smith, Lieut. W. F.., at Spanish Fort, 53. 

Smtth, Maj.-Gen. A. J. (see Sixteenth Corps) ; 
narrow Escape at Mmette Bridge, 51 ; re- 
bukes Men for cheering him, 52 ; has to move 
Quarters, 72; Operations in his Front, 133, 
151-156 ; Intention to assault Huger and 
Tracy, 220. 

Snyder, Lieut. , in Assault, 210. 

Soldiers (see Sharpshooters, Skirmishers) ; re- 
ligious Worship by, 41 ; in Bivouac, 50; on 



INDEX. 



275 



Short Rations, 117 ; after Bombardment, 140 ; 
Communication on Skirmish-Line, 184 ; Re- 
mark of Colored in regard to Shells, 189 ; 
Characteristic Humor of, 191 ; Remarks of 
Confederate, 238 ; Valor at Selma, 255 ; Man- 
ner of crossing Streams, 261, 264, 265, 

Sortie, on Party of Seventh Vermont, 84; expec- 
tation of at Blakely, 169, 174. 

Spanish Fort, Description of, 48. 49 ; Investment 
of, 50 ; Omtinuation of Siege, 60, 130 ; Num- 
ber of Guns in Position to April 4, 139 ; 
assaulted, 151 ; captured, IpO ; Observations 
on Siege of, 163-167. 

Spence, Col., Despatches to at Montrose, 40 (note) 
scouting, 45 (and mite). 

Sficeley, Col. W. T. , 24 ; Brigade of, on March 
102 ; enters Pollard, 111 ; at Blakely, 127 
170; in Assault, 202,207. 

Spurixng, Lieut.-Col. A. B., Operations of, 112-114 
captures Outpost, 118 ; Capture by, 183. 

Squadron, Naval, 66 (see Navy). 

Stall', Organization ol , 30. 

Sr-\5iPER, Lieut., 147. 

Starr, Lieut.-Col., mentioned, 58. 

Stearns, Capt. R. B., Capture of, 84-87. 

Steele, Maj.-Gen. F., commands Forces at Kenner, 
21 ; assumes Command Column at Barrancas, 
95 ; marches from Pensacola, 100 ; turns 
toward Blakely, 114 ; Headquarters at Sib- 
ley's, 170 ; Reply to Canby, 185 ; prepares to 
advance, 192 ; in the Assault, 221 ; moves to 
Montgomery, 232. 

Stepson, Capt. C. G., killed at Spanish Fort, 132. 

Stocker, Lieut., 73. 

Stockton, Lieut.-Col., mentioned, 36. 

Stockton, Town of, Steele's Column reaches, 117. 

Stone, Capt., mentioned, 58. 

Storeb, Capt. , mentioned, 57. 

Streams, Difficulties in crossing, 261, 264, 265. 

SuRGET, Capt., Despatch to Gen, Hodges, 241. 

Swan, Lieut., 185. 

SwrrzER. Sergt. John, 212. 



T 

Taisey, Lieut. 123. 

Taylor, Capt. , killed in Charge, 251. 

Taylor, Lieut.-Col., 181. 

Taylor, Lieut.-Gen. Richard, his Command, 44 ; 
his Despatches to Gen. Lee, 44 (note) ; Con- 
dition of his Command, 241, 242 ; Leaves Sel- 
ma, 253 ; Visits ilobile, 257. 

Tecumseh (Shi|.), in Mobile Bay, 15. 

Tennessee (Ram), Encounter with, 16. 

Tennessee (see Number of Regiment) . 

Tenth Kansas in Skirmish, 43; at Blakely, 179, 
181 ; in Assault, 216-213. 

Tenth Minnesota, 54. 

Tenth Missouri Cavalry, 247. 

Texas Regiments, 151. 

THATcmsR, Rcar-Admiral, 66 ; adopts Means to re- 
move Torpedoes, 133, 232. 

Third Indiana Battery, 55, 82. 

Third Iowa Cavalry, 247, 251. 

Third Marylaud (Dismounted Cavalry), 14. 

Thirteenth Corps, organized, 25 ; March to Fish 
River 33-36 ; Investment of Spanish Fort, 
55-58 ; Operations, Second day of Siege, 64 ; 
Fifth day, 82; Casualties in, 138-139 ; Enthu- 
siasm in, 159. 

Thirtieth Missouri, 41. 

Thirty-eighth I^>wa, in Siege of Fort Morgan, 17. 

Thirty-fifth Iowa, 55. 

Thirty-fifth Wisconsin leaves Arkansas, 25. 

Thirty-fourth III wa in Siege of Forts Gaines and 
Morgan, 14-20 ; moves to Barrancas, 22 ; at 
Blakely, 127, 169 ; in Assault, 209, 210. 



Thirty-fourth New Jersey, 174, 214, 216. 

Thirty-second Iowa, 179. 

Thirty-seventh Illinois in Assault, 209, 210. 

Thirty-third Illinois, 54. 

Thirty-third Iowa moves from Arkansas, 25 ; 

Casualties in, 64. 
Thirtv-third Missouri, 55. 
Thirty-third Wisconsin, 51, 54. 
Thjm.as, Brig. -Gen. B. .M., Confederate Command 

of, 44, 80. 
Thompson , Corporal , 218. 

IHORNBURY, LiCUt.-Col., 120. 

Toms, Capt., 214. 

Torpedoes near D'Olieve's Creek, 42 ; sweeping 
Channel for, 132 ; Effects of Explosion of One, 
200 ; at Blakely, 222. 

Tracy (Fort), 70, 71, 137 ; Additions to its Para- 
pet, 145 ; Reduction of 227-232. 

Transportation, Allowance on Campaign, 28. 

Transports (Coufod.), 11 ed on, 81. 

Treadway, Work on, 80 ; Garrison retreats over 
157. ' 

Tremain, Corporal, in Assault, 205. 

Trenches, work in, at Spanish Fort, 78 ; com- 
menced at Blakely, 128 ; Length of, at Spanish 
Fort, 148 ; how should bo built, 166 ; Extent 
of Besiegers' at Blakely, 190. 

Trion, Skirmish at, 260. 

Trull, Capt., Battery of, 78, 189. 

Turner, Col. Charles, 53,155. 

TtJTT, Capt., withdraws from Greenwood, 45 ; De- 
spatches from, 98 (note). 

Twelfth Iowa , 55. 

Twelfth Missouri Cavalry, 244. 

Twentieth Iowa before Blakely, 126 ; in Assault, 
209, 210. 

Twentieth Wisconsin in Siege of Fort Morgan, 16 ; 
at Spanish Fort, 67. 

Twenty-eighth Wisconsin moves from Arkansas, 
25 ; at Spanish Fort, 56 ; Casualties in, 64. 

Twenty-flrst Alabama at Miuctte Bridge, 51. 

Twenty-first Iowa in Skirmish, 42,43 ; at Spanish 
Fort, 65. 

Twenty-first Missouri, 218, 219. 

Twenty-first New York Battery, 56. 

Twenty-fourth Indiana moves from Kenner to 
Barrancis, 22 ; destroys Railroad at Pollard, 
112 ; at Hall's, 120 ; at Blakely, 127 ; in As- 
sault, 206. 

Twenty-niuth Illinois, Loss in, 79. 

Twenty-ninth Iowm moves from Arkansas, 25 ; at 
Spanish Fort, 65, 79. 

Twenty-second Louisiana (Confed.), 70. 

Twenty-seventh Iowa in Assault on Blakely, 216, 
218. 

Twenty-seventh Wisconsin attached to the Thir- 
teenth Corps, 25. 

Twenty-sixth Indiana, 54. 

Twenty -sixth New York, Battery hauled through 
Swamp, 34 ; at Spanish Fort, 56. 

Twenty-third Iowa, 144, 156. 

Twenty-third Wisconsin, Loss in, 181. 

Tyson, Lieut, commands Naval Battery, 18. 



U 

Upton, Gen. , Cavalry Division of, 243 ; Skirmish 
near Montevallo, 246 ; Scouts capture De- 
spatches, 248 ; in Battle of Ebenezer Church, 
251 ; at Selma, 253-255. 



Van Anda, Lieut.-Col., 42. 
Van LiEcrw, Capt., 82. 
Veach, Lieut. J. J., 261. 



276 



INDEX. 



Veatch, Gen., Division marches to Fish River. 33 ; 
at Spanish Fort, 79 ; moves with Supplies, 
120 ; before Blalfely, 170, 172 ; notified to Ad- 
vance, 192 ; in Assault, 211-213. 

Vermont (see Number of Regiment). 

Victories, Influence of Industry and Instruction in 
Securing, 243. 

ViTQUAiN, Lieut.-Col. Victor, 24, 169, 182 ; in As- 
sault, 202, 203. 

Vineyard, Lieut. Henry, Gallant Conduct of, 1.52, 
153, 154. 



W 

Wabd, Col. , Brigade of, 51, 159. 

Warot:r, Lieut., 205. 

Washington, Artillery at Spanish Fort, 131. 

Waterloo (Teun), Cavalry Camp at, 243. 

Watson, Capt. C. , leads Sortie, 85. 

Watts, Lieut., 113. 

Webber, Col. , at Blakely, 169. 

Welsch, J., Expertness as Gunner, 228. 

Were, Capt'., 79. 

Western Shore (Mobile Bay), Demonstration 

on, 36. 
Wharf, Repair of, at Pensacola, 96, 91 
Wheaton, Lietit.-Col. L.. in Assault, 212. 
Wheeler, Corporal J., killed at Blakely, 215. 
WmTB, Lieut.-Col. F., Churge at Ebenezer 

Church, 250. 
Whitney, Lieut. , 180. 
WniirLESEY, Lieut.-Col., at Blakely, 173. 
WiLKiNS' Plantation, Skirmish at, 118. 



WiLUAMS, Lieut.-Col. J. M , 61, 89, 148. 

Williams, Lieut., 130. 

Williams, Mr., 106. 

Wilson, Capt. S. R., killed at Blakely, 201. 

WnsoN, Gen. J. H., Cavalry Operations of, 241 
Organization of Column, 243 : Marches, 244 
at Elyton, detaches Croxton's Brigade, 246 
Victory at Ebenezer Church, 250, L'51 ; cap 
tures Selma, 253-255 ; Interview withForrest 
at Cahawha, 257 ; Column leaves Selma, 258, 
259 ; Observations on his Raid, 266, 267. 

WiMMER, Capt. W. P., SI, 131 ; moves to Blakely, 
144 ; Effective Fire on Gunboats, 187. 

Winnebago (Gunboat), 67. 

WiNSLOW, Gen. E. F., Brigade of, 247 ; at Ebene- 
zer Church, 251 ; commands Selma, 256. 

Winter, Maj., at Blakely, 175, 218. 

Wisconsin, (see Number of Regiment). 

WiSNER, Capt., 202. 

Wood, Capt., 217. 

Woods, Maj. W. W.,247. 

Works, Regiments to cover Front with, 30. 



Yancey, his Visit to Mobile, 9. 
Young, Col. J. M., at Monte vallo, 247. 



Zacharie, Col., covers Retreat, 157. 



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ities in Europe, and were rewarded in a conspicuous manner by the greatest militiry 
power in Christendom. He learned the art of war in the school of experience, the best 
and only finishing school of the soldier. He served with distinction in nearly all the 
campaigns of Napoleon, and it was mainly from the gigantic military operations of this 
matchless master of the art that he was enabled to discover its true principles, and to 
ascertain the best means of their application to the infinity of combinations which actual 
war presents. Jomini criticises the details of Waterloo with great science, and yet in a 
manner that interests the general reader as well as the professional."— .Vew York World. 

3 



D. Van NostranW s Publications. 



Roeiner's Cavalry; its History, Management, and 
Uses in War. By J. Eoemer, LL. D., late an Officer of Cavalry in 
the Service of the Netherlands. Elegantly illustrated, with one hundred 
and twenty-seven fine wood engravings. In one large octavo volume, 
beautifully printed on tinted paper. Cloth, $6; half calf, $7.50. 
" By far the best treatise upon Cavalry and its uses in the field, which has yet been 
published in this country, for the general use of ofiicers of all ranks, is this elaborate and 
interesting work. Eschewing the elementary principles and tactics of cavalry, which 
may be learned from any hand-book, the author treats of the uses of cavalry in the field 
of strategy and tactics, and of its general discipline and management. The range of the 
work includes an admirable treatise upon rifled fire-arms, an historical sketch of cavalry, 
embodying many interesting facts, an account of the cavalry service in Europe and this 
country, and a treatise on horses, their equipment, management, &c. The work is copi- 
ously illustrated and elegantly printed. It is interesting not alone to military men but 
to the general reader, who will gain from its pages valuable historical facts and very clear 
ideas of some branches of the art of war, such as the employment of spies, gaining infor- 
mation in an enemy's country, advance movements, and other strategical manoeuvres." — 
£ost07i Journal. 

Nolan's System for Training Cavalry Horses. By Ken- 
ner Garrard, Captain Fifth Cavalry, U. S. A. 1 vol. 12mo, cloth. 24 
lithographed plates. $2.00. 

"This work is clearly written, is eminently practical, is fully illustrated, and contains 
numerous hints as applicable to the discipline and management of the draught-horse as 
that of "his more showy and fiery brother of the cavalry." — Boston Journal. 

Barnard and Barry's Peninsular Campaign. Report of 
the Engineer and Artillery Operations of the Army of the Potomac, from 
its organization to the close of the Peninsular Campaign. By Brig.-Gen. 
J. G-. Barnard, and other Engineer Officers, and Brig.-Gen. "W. P. Barry, 
Chief of Artillery. Illustrated by numerous Maps, Plans, etc. 1 vol. 
8vo, cloth, $4.00. 

*'The title of thiS work sufficiently indicates its importance and value as a contribu- 
tion to the history of the great rebellion. General Barnard's Report is a narrative of the 
Engineer operations of the Array of the Potomac from the time of its organization to 
the date it was withdrawn from the James Eiver. Thus a record is given of an impor- 
tant part in the great work which the nation found before it when it was first confronted 
with the necessity of war; and perhaps on no other point in the annals of the rebellion 
will future generations look with a deeper or more admiring interest." — Buffalo Courier. 

Tlie " C. S. A.," and ttie Battle of Bull Rnn. (A Let- 
ter to an English friend), by J. G. Barnard, Lieut.-Colonel of EngineerSj 
TJ. S. A., Brigadier-General and Chief Engineer, Army of the Potomac. 
With five Maps. 1 vol. 8vo, cloth. $2.00. 

"The work is clearly written, and can but leave the impression upon every reader's 
mind that it is truth. We commend it to the perusal of every one who wants an intelli- 
gent, truthful, and graphic description of the ' C. S. A.,' and the Battle of Bull Enn." — 
Mew York Observer. 

4 



D. Van NostranWs Publications. 



Sinipson'§ Ordnance and IVaval Gunnery. A Treatise on 
Ordnance and Naval Gunnery, compiled and arranged as a Text-Book for 
the U. S. Naval Academy. By Lieut. Edward Simpson, U. S. N. Third 
edition, revised and enlarged, 1 vol. 8vo, plates and cuts, clotli. $5.00. 

" It is scarcely necessary for us to say, that a work prepared by a writer bo practically 
conversant witli all the subjects of which he treats, and who has such a reputation for 
Bcientiflc ability, cannot fail to take at once a high place among the text-books or v^ur 
naval service. It has been approved by the Secretary of the Navy, and will henceforth 
be one of the standard authorities on all matters connected with Naval Gunnery."— i^'eu) 
York IleraldU 

HoIIey's Ordnance and Armor. Embracing Descriptions, 
Discussions, and Professional Opinions concerning the Material, Fabrica- 
tion, Requirements, Capabilities, and Endurance of European and Amer- 
ican Guns for Naval, Sea-Coast, and Iron-Clad Warfare, and their Rifling, 
Projectiles, and Breech-Loading; also. Results of Experiments against 
.A.rmor, from Oflicial Records. With an Appendix, referring to Gun- 
Cotton, Hooped Guns, etc., etc. By A. L. HoUey, B. P. With 493 illus- 
trations. 1 vol. 8vo, 948 pages. Half roan, $10.00. 

LueeN Naval IJglit Artillery. Instructions for Naval Light 
Artillery, afloat and ashore, prepared and arranged for the U. S. Naval 
Academy, by Lieutenant W. H. Parker, U. S. N. Second edition, revised 
by Lieutenant S. B. Luce, U. S. N., Assistant Instructor of Gunnery and 
Tactics at the U. S. Naval Academy. 1 vol. Svo, cloth, with twenty- two 
Plates. $3.00. 

" The service for which this is the text-book of instruction is of special importance in 
the present war. The use of light boat-pieces is constant and important, and young ofti- 
cers are frequently obliged to leave their boats, take their pieces ashore, and manoeuvre 
them as field artillery. Not unfrequently, also, they are incorporated, when ashore, with 
troops, and must handle their guns like the artillery soldiers of a battery. ' The Exercise 
of the Howitzer Afloat' was prepared and arranged by Captain Dahlgren, whose name 
gives additional sanction and value to the book. A Manual for the Sword and Pistol is 
also given. The Plates are numerous and exceedingly clear, and the whole typography is 
excellent" — Philadelphia Inquirer. 

■|Vard'§ IVaval Ordnance and Gunnery. Elementary In- 
struction in Naval Ordnance and Gunnery. By James H. Ward, Com- 
mander U. S. Navy; author of "Naval Tactics," and "Steam for the 
Million." New edition, revised and enlarged. Svo, cloth. $2.00. 

" It conveys an amount of information in the same space to be found nowhere else, and 
given with a clearness which renders it useful as well to the general as the professional 
Inquirer." — K. Y. Evening Fust. 

"The whole detail of Ordnance, in its history, philosophy, and application, is given 
by Commander Ward in such a manner (with occasional diagrams) as to convey to the 
student accurate notions for practical use." — Jfew Yorker. 

5 



lance's Seamanship. Compiled from various authorities, and Ulua- 
trated with numerous original and selected Designs. For the use of the 
United States Naval Academy. By S. B. Luce, Lieut.-Commander U. S. N. 
In two parts. Second Edition. One royal octavo volume, doth. $10.00. 

Squadron Tactics Under Steam. By Foxhall A. Parker, 
CJommander U. S. Navy. Pubhshed by authority of the Navy Depart- 
ment. 1 voL 8vo, with numerous Plates. $5.00. 

"In this useful work to Navy officers, the author demonstrates — by the aid of profuse 
diagrams and explanatory text — a new principle for manoeuvring naval vessels in action. 
The author contends that the winds, waves, and currents of the ocean oppose no more 
serious obstacles to the movements of a steam fleet, than do the inequalities on the sur- 
face of the earth to the manoeuvres of an army. It is in this light, therefore, that he 
views a vast fleet — simply as an army ; the regiments, brigades, and divisions of which 
are represented by a certain ship or ships." — Scientific American. 

Xautical Routine and Stowage. "With Short Eules in Navi- 
gation. By John McLeod Murphy and "Wm. N. Jefifers, Jr., U. S. Navy. 
1 voL 8vo, blue cloth. $2.50, 

Osbon's Hand-Book of tbe United States Navy. Be- 
ing a Compilation of all of the Principal Events in the History of every 
Vessel of the United States Navy, from April, 1861, to May, 1864. 
Compiled and arranged by B. S. Osbon. 1 voL 12mo, blue cloth. $2.50. 

"As a condensed and compact history, as well as a work containing a vast amount of 
information, this work cannot be surpassed." — Boston Traveller. 

Brandt's Gunnery Catecbism. G-unnery Catechism, as applied 
to the Service of Naval Ordnance. Adapted to the Latest Official Regu- 
lations, and approved by the Bureau of Ordnance, Navy Department. 
By J. D. Brandt, formerly of the U. S. Navy. 1 vol. 18mo, illustrated, 
blue cloth. $1.50. 

" This manual is very full of information and instruction, and shows the 'chief end' of 
Gunnery, and the aim of those who follow that profession. It is indispensable to all 
those who are suddenly introduced to a gun-deck, and will be found a valuable aid also 
to experienced officers." — Commercial Advertiser . 

Barrett's Gunnery Instructions. Gunnery Instructions, sim- 
phfied for the Volunteer Officers of the United States Navy, with Hint3 
to Executive and other Officers. By Lieut. Edward Barrett, U. S. N., 
Instructor of G-unnery, Navy Yard, Brooklyn. 1 vol. 12mo, cloth. $1.25. 

"It is a thorough work, treating plainly on its subject, and contains also some valu- 
able hints to executive officers. No ofllcer in the volunteer navy should be without a 
co| J ''^^Boston Evening Traveller. 

6 



D. Van NostrandJs Puhlicatlons. 



Totten's Naval Text-Book. Naval Text-Book and Dictionary, 
compiled for the use of the Midshipmen of the U. S. Navy. By Com- 
mander B. J. Totten, U. S. N. Second and revised edition. 1 vol. 12mo 
$3.00. 



Calcniated Tables of Ranges for Navy and Army 

Ouns. "With a Method of Finding the Distance of an Object at Sea. 
By Lieut. W. P. Buckner, U. S N. 1 vol. 8vo, cloth. $1.50. 



Manual of Internal Rales and Regulations for Men- 
Of- War. By Commodore U. P. Levy, U. S. N., late Flag Officer com- 
manding U. S. Naval Force in the Mediterranean, &c. Flexible blue 
cloth. Third Edition, revised and enlarged. 50 cents. 

"Among the professional publications for which we are indebted to the war, we will- 
ingly give a prominent place to this useful little Manual of Rules and Eegulations to be 
observed on board of ships of war. Its authorship is a sufficient guarantee for its accu- 
racy and practical value ; and as a guide to young officers in providing for the discipline, 
police, and sanitary government of the vessels under their command, we know of nothing 
superior."— jr. Y. Herald. 



King's Lessons and Praetieal Notes on Steam, The 

Steam Engine, PropeUers, &c., &c., for Young Marine Engineers, Stu- 
dents, and others. By the late W. H. King, U. S. Navy. Revised by 
Chief Engineer J. W. King, U. S. Navy. Ninth Edition, enlarged. 8vo, 
cloth. $2.00. 

" This Is the ninth edition of a valuable work of the late "W. H. King, U. S. Navy. It 
contains lessons and practical notes on Steam and the Steam-Engine, Propellers, &c. It 
is calculated to be of great use to young marine engineers, students, and others. The 
text is illustrated and explained by numerous diagrams and representations of machi- 
nery. This new edition has been revised and enlarged by Chief Engineer J. "W. King, 
U. 8. Navy, brother to the deceased author of the work."— 5o«^» Daily Adteriiaer. 

Ward's Steam for the million. A popular Treatise on Steam 
and its Application to the Useful Arts, especially to Navigation. By 
J. H. "Ward, Commander U. S. Navy. New and revised Edition. 1 voL 
8vo, cloth. $1.00. 



The Naval Howitzer Ashore. By FoihaU A. Parker, Com- 
mander U. S. Navy. 1 vol. Svo, with Plates. Cloth. $4.00. 



D. Van Nostr and' s Publications. 



Oillmore's Fort Sumter. OfQcial Report of Operations against 
tlie Defences of Charleston Harbor, 1863. Comprising the Descent upon 
Morris Island, the Demolition of Fort Sumter, and the Siege and Reduc- 
tion of Ports "Wagner and Gregg. By Major-Gen. Q. A. Gillmore, U. S. 
Volunteers, and Major U. S. Corps of Engineers. "With Maps and Litho- 
graphic Plates, Views, &c. 1 vol. 8vo. cloth. $10. 

Oillmore's Siege and Reduction of Fort Pulaski, 
Georgia. Papers on Practical Engineering. No. 8. Official Report 
to the U. S. Engineer Department of the Siege and Reduction of Fort 
Pulaski, Ga., February, March, and April, 1862. By Brig.-Gen. Q. A. 
GiLLMOEE, U. S. A. Illustrated by Maps and Views. 1 vol. 8vo, cloth. 
$2.50. 

"This Is an official history of the siege of Fort Pulaski, from the commencement, with 
all the details in full, made up fcom a daily record, forming «a most valuable paper for 
future reference. The situation and construction of the Fort, the position of the guns, 
both of the rebels and the Federals, and their operation, are made plain by maps and 
engraved views of diflferent sections. Additional reports from other officers are fur- 
nished in the appendix, and every thing has been done to render the work full and reli- 
able." — Boiton Journal. 

Oillmore's Treatise on Limes, Hydraulic Cements, and 
Mortars. Papers on Practical Engineering, U. S. Engineer Depart- 
ment, No. 9, containing Reports of numerous Experiments conducted in 
New York City, during the years 1858 to 1861, inclusive. By Q. A. 
GiLLMOEE, Brig.-Gen. U. S. Volunteers, and Major U. S. Corps of Engi- 
neers. With numerous Illustrations. One voL 8vo. $4.00. 
"This work contains a record of certain experiments and researches made under the 

authority of the Engineer Bureau of the War Department from 1858 to 1861, upon the 

various hydraulic cements of the United States, and the materials for their manufacture. 

The experiments were carefully made, and are well reported and compiled." — Journal 

Franklin Institute. 

The Volunteer Quartermaster. Containing a Collection and 
Codification of the Laws, Regulations, Rules, and Practices governing the 
Quartermaster's Department of the United States Army, and in force 
March 4, 1865. By Captain Roelifp Bkinkebhoff, Assistant Quarter- 
master U. S. Volunteers, and Post Quartermaster at "Washington. 1 
vol. 12mo, cloth. $2.50. 

This work ombraces all the laws of Congress, and all the orders and circulars of the 
War Office and its bureaus, bearing upon the subject. It also embodies the decisions of 
the Second Comptroller of the Treasury, so far as they affect the Quartermaster's Depart- 
ment. These decisions have the force of law in the adjustment of accounts, and are there- 
fore invaluable to all disbursing officers. 



[—- 

I I). Van Nostrand^s PuUlcatlons. 



Culluin's IWilitary Bridges. Systems of Military Bridges in Uso 
by the United States Army; those adopted by the Great European 
Powers; and such as are employed in British India. With Directions 
for the Preservation, Destruction, and Re-establishment of Bridges. By 
Brlg.-Gen. George \Y. Cullum, Lieut.-Col. Corps of Engineers, U. S. A. 
1 vol. 8vo. With numerous Illustrations, cloth. $3.50. 

"We have no man more competent to prepare such n work than Brig.-Gen Cullum 
who had the almost exclusive supervision, devising, building, and prep.iring for service 
of the various bridge-trains sent to our armies in Mexico during our war with that 
country. The treatise before us is very complete, and has evidently been prepared with 
scrupulous care. The descriptions of the various systems of military bridges adopted 
by nearly all civilized nations are very interesting even to the non-professional reader 
and to those specially interested in such subjects must be very instructive, for they are 
evidently the work of a master of the art of military bridge-building."- WasAi/io^on 
Chronicle. 

Haupt's military Bridi^es. For the Passage of Infantry, Artil- 
lery, and Baggage-Trains ; with Suggestions of many new Expedients 
and Constructions for Crossing Streams and Chasms ; designed to utilize 
the Resources ordmarily at command, and reduce the amount and cost of 
Army Transportation. Including also Designs for Trestle and Truss 
Bridges for Military Railroads, adapted especially to the wants of the 
Service of the United States. By Herman Haupt, Brig.-Gen. in charge 
of the Construction and Operation of the U. S. Military Railways, Author 
of " General Theory of Bridge Construction," &c. Illustrated by sixty- 
nine Lithographic Engravings. 8vo, cloth. $6.50. 

"This elaborate and carefully prepared, though thoroughly practical and simple work, 
is peculiarly adapted to the military service of the United States. Mr. Haupt has added 
very much to the ordinary facilities for crossing streams and chasms, by the instructions 
afforded in this vi ork.'"— Boston Courier. 

Holley's Railway Practice. American and European Railway 
Practice, in the Economical Generation of Steam, including the Materials 
and Construction of Coal-burning Boilers, Combustion, the Variable 
Blast, Vaporization, Circulation, Superheating, Supplying and Heating 
Feed-water, &c., and the Adaptation of Wood and Coke-burning Engines 
to Coal-burning; and in permanent Way, including Road-bed, Sleepers, 
Rails, Joint Fastenings, Street Railways, &c., &c. By Alexander L. 
Holley, B. P. With 77 hthographed plates. 1 vol. folio, cloth. $12.00. 

* * ♦ "All these subjects are treated by the author in both an intelligent and in- 
telligible manner. The facts and ideas are well arranged, and presented in a clear and 
simple style, accompanied by beautiful engravings, and wo presume the work will be 
regarded as indispensable by all who are interested in a knowledge of the construction 
of railroads, and rolling stock, or the working of locomotives."— &te»</;fc American. 

9 



D. Van Nostrand) s Puhlications. 



Autborized U. S. Infantry Tactics. For the Instruction, 
Exercise, and MaucEuvres of the Soldier, a Company, Line of Skirmish- 
ers, BattaUon, Brigade, or Corps d'Armee. By Brig.-Gen. Silas Caset, 
U S. A. 3 vols' 24mo. Cloth, hthographed plates. $2.50. 

Tol. I. — School of the Soldier; School of the Company; Instruction for 
Skirmishers. 

Vol. II. — School of the Battalion. 

Yol. III. — Evolutions of a Brigade ; Evolutions of a Corps d'Armee. 

" War Depaktmekt, WASinNGTON, August 11, 1S62. 
" The System of Infantry Tactics prepared by Brig.-Gen. Silas Casey, U. 8. A., having 
been approved by the President, Is adopted for the instruction of the Infantry of th« 
Armies of the United States, whether Eegular, Volunteer, or Militia. 

"EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War." 

U. S. Tactics for Colored Troops. U. S. Infantry Tactics, 
for the Instruction, Exercise, and Manoeuvres of the Soldier, a Company, 
Line of Skirmishers, and Battalion, for the use of the Colored Troops of 
the United States Infantry. Prepared under the direction of the "War 
Department. 1 vol., plates. $1.50. 

"War Department, Washington, March 9, 1863. 
" This system of United States Infantry Tactics, prepared under the direction of the 
War Department, for the use of the Colored Troops of the United States Infantry, having 
been approved by the President, is adopted for the Instruction of such troops. 

" EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War." 

Kelton's Bayonet Exercise. A New Manual of the Bayonet, 
for the Army and Militia of the United States. By Colonel J, C. Kelton, 
U. S. A. With forty beautifully engraved plates. Red cloth. $2.00. 

" This Manual was prepared for the use of the Corps of Cadets, and has been introduced 
at the Military Academy Avith satisfactory results. It is simply the theory of the attack 
and defence of the sword applied to the bayonet, on the authority of men skilled in the 
use of arms." — New York Times. 

Berrimau's Sword-Play. The Militiaman's Manual and Sword- 
Play without a Master. — Rapier and Broad-Sword Exercises copiously 
Explained and Illustrated; Small-Arm Light Infantry Drill of the United 
States Army ; Infantry Manual of Percussion Muskets ; Company Drill 
of the United States Cavalry. By Major M. W. Berriman, engaged for 
the last thirty years in the practical instruction of Military Students. 
Fourth edition. 1 vol. 12mo, red cloth. $1.00. 

1 "This work will be found very valuable to all persons seeking military instruction; 
but it recommends itself most especially to officers, and those who have to use the sword 
or sabre. We believe it is the only work on the use of the sword published in this 
country." — New York Tablet. 

10 



D. Van Nostrand's Publications. 



Heavy Artillery Tactics.— 1 §63. Instruction for Heavy Ar- 
tillery; prepared by a Board of Officers, for tlie use of the Army of the 
United States. With service of a gun mounted on an iron carriage. In 
one volume, 12mo, with numerous illustrations, cloth. $2.50. 

"War Department, ) 

.^^, . " "Washinoton, D. C, Oct. 20, 1862. \ 

This system of Heavy Artillery Tactics, prepared under direction of the War De- 
partment, hflvinR been approved by the President, is adopted for the instruction of 
trooi,s when acting as heavy artillery. EDWIX M. STANTON, Secretary of Far." 

"The First Part consists of sixteen lessons relating to the service of the single piece in- 
cluding the gun, howitzer, mortar, and columbiad ; also, the formation of batteries the art 
of .aiming pieces and firing hot-shot. Part Second relates entirely to mechanical manoeu- 
vres and appliances for handling, mounting, dismounting, and transporting heavy pieces. 
1 art Third is of a miscellaneous cnaracter, containing directions for embarking and disem- 
barking artillery and ordnance stores; also, tables of dimensions and weights of -uns 
can-iages, shot, shell, machines, and implemenis, with charges for, and ranges of heav; 
artillery. These instructions are not only copious in detail, but aptly illustrated with 
thirty-nine elegant steel-plate engravings."— ^w««<<7i. 

Roberts's Haiid-Book of Artillery. For the Service of the 
Umted States Army and Mihtia. New revised and greatly enlarged 
edition. By Major Joseph Egberts, U. S. A. 1 vol. 18mo cloth 
$1.25. ' 

"A complete catechism of gun practice, covering the whole ground of this branch of 
military science, and adapted to militia and volunteer drill, as well as to the re<nilar 
army. It has the merit of precise detail, even to the technical names of all parts'of a 
gun, and how the smallest operations connected with its use can be best performed It 
has evidently been prepared with great care, and with strict scientific accuracy" 
New York, Centurij. •'■ 

Duaiie's Manual for Engineer Troops. Consisting of Part 
I., Pontoon DriE; II., Practical Operations of a Siege; III, School of 
the Sap; lY., MiUtary Mining; V., Construction of Batteries. By 
Major J. C. Duane, Corps of Engineers, U. S. Army. 1 vol l''mo 
cloth. $2.50. " ' 

"I have carefully examined Capt. J. C. Duane's 'Manual for Engineer Troops,' and do 
not hesitate to [.ronounce it the very best work on the subject of which it treats. 

"H. W. HALLECK, Major- General, U. S. ^." 

Dufour's Principles of Strategy and Grand Tactics. 

Translated from the French of General G. H. Dufour. By William P. 
Ceaighill, Capt. of Engineers, U. S. Army, and Assistant Professor of 
Engineering, U. S. Military Academy, West Point. From the last 
French Edition. Illustrated. In one volume 12mo. cloth. $3.00. 
"In all military matters General Dufour is recognized as one of the first authoritiej in 
Europe, and consequently the translation of this very valuable work is a most acceptable 
addition to our military lihmvies.^-Londou Naval and Jililitary Gazette, 
11 



D. Van Nostrandl s Publications. 

Tlioinajii's Rifled Ordnance. A Practical Treatise on the Ap- 
plication of the Principle of the Eifle to Guns and Mortars of every 
Calibre. To which is added, a new theory of the initial action and force 
of Fired Gunpowder. By Ltnall Thomas, P. R. S. L. Fifth edition, 
revised. One volume, octavo, illustrated, cloth- $2.00. 

"At a time when the manufacture of guns engrosses the attention of thousands on 
thousands, any practical treatise which may suggest desirable alterations or innovations 
it of importance, and deserves that attention we doubt not will be extended to the pres- 
ent volume." — Boston Ekiening Oazette. 

IVilcox's Rifles and Rifle Practice. An Elementary Trea- 
tise on the Theory of Rifle Firing ; explaining the causes of Inaccuracy 
of Fire and the manner of correcting it ; with descriptions of the Infan- 
try Rifles of Europe and the United States, their BaUs and Cartridges. 
By Captain C M. Wilcox, U. S. A. New edition, with engravings and 
cuts. Green cloth. $2.00. 

"The book will be found intensely interesting to all who are watching the changes in 
the art of war arising from the introdirction of the new rifled arms. We recommend to 
our readers to buy the book." — Military Gazette. 

L<endy's Maxims and Instructions on the Art of War, 

Maxims, Advice, and Instructions on the Art of "War; or, A Practical 
Military Guide for the use of Soldiers of all Arms and of all Countries. 
Translated from the French by Captain Lexdy, Director of the Practical 
MiUtary College, late of the French Staff, etc., etc. 1 vol. 18mo, cloth. 
75 cents. 

"This book treats generally of the art of war and the conduct of campaigns, and with- 
out going into all the details of a soldier's business, .aims to explain the principles on 
which an army may be well established in camp, or successfully led and manccuvred on 
the field." — Providence Journal. 

Andrews's Hints to Company Officers on tlieir Mili- 
tary Duties. By Captain C. C. Andrews, Third Regiment Minne- 
sota Volunteers. 1 vol. 18mo, cloth, 60 cents. 

"This is a hand-book of good practical advice, which oflacers of all ranks may study 
with advantage." — Philadelphia Press. 

Ileth's System of Target Practice. — For the use of Troops 
when armed with the Musket, Rifle-Musket, Rifle, or Carbine. Prepared 
prmcipally from the French, by Captain Henry Heth, 10th Infantry, U S. 
A. 18mo, cloth. 75 cents. 

15 



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